Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill Reviews of March 2024 | Smoke Gears

Top 10 Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grills Review of 2021

Having a Sunday barbecue but your gas grill is out of gas?

Want to make a fast meal on your grill without having to wait for the charcoal to heat up? Don’t worry, for either of these problems – the best gas charcoal combo grill will save your lucky bum.

The ability to switch from one type of heating to the other gives this magnificent piece of exterior appliance enormous importance to have at any home.

For times when you’re out of gas, the charcoal feature will do the job. But when charcoal just seems like too much of a bother, then get that gas running.

And if you get a model with propane – you’ll have even more options.

Whatever the reason to get one of these appliances, you will certainly not regret having one.

Here, we will explain everything they offer, how you can get the best out of them, and the different models available that will make your grilling experience much better.

So, care to find out all about them and more? Here’s what you need to know!

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Product

Product Name

Features

Price

01

Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal GrillChar-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill

Surface: 1260 sq. inches

Dimension:

48 x 21.5 x 13.5 inches

Burner BTUs: 40,800

02

Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid GrillChar-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill

Surface: 540 square inch

Dimension:

24.6 x 52.5 x 47.5 in

Burner BTUs: 40,000

03

Fire Magic Aurora A830i Built-in Dual Propane Gas And Charcoal ComboFire Magic Aurora A830i Built-in Dual Propane Gas And Charcoal Combo

Surface: 828 sq. inches

Dimension:

22 x 52.5 x 27 inches

Burner BTUs: 50,000

04

Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel GrillDyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill

Surface: 952 square Inch

Dimension:

68.5 x 45.6 x 28.7 inches

Burner BTUs: 24,000

05

Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker ComboOklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

Surface: 1,060 sq. inch

Dimension:

31.5 x 74 x 50.6 inches

Burner BTUs: 36,000

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using A Combo Grill

There are many reasons to go for the best combo grill to have at home in case you want more versatility with your grilling. But on top of all that, it also offers the advantages that each type of heating provides.

Here, we will explain all of them so you can have a better idea of what they offer.

Benefits:

Here are the benefits of using a hybrid grill:

• Fast Heating with Gas

Gas offers an unbeatable speed when cooking your food. That’s why we love having gas for our stoves because it has no competitor when it comes to swiftly making our meals eatable.

If you are a griller who’s always looking for the fastest way to cook to your family, friends, or just in several people in get-togethers – then nothing compares to the gas mode of a combo grill.

• The Flavor of Charcoal Smoking

The flavor that a grill delivers to the food is unique. But the real advantage comes from smoking meats and vegetables or just any food.

Just let the smoke of the charcoal impregnate the food for a few minutes then you can finish the cooking by taking them directly to the gas heating.

This will not only improve the flavor by augmenting the smoky touch, but it will also cook the food even faster than in regular smokers and roast the food at the same time.

• Never Gets Out of Fuel

We know how frustrating it can be to be cooking your favorite meals and then find out that the gas tank is soon to empty out completely. Or starting the grill with charcoal but then finding out you don’t have enough coal to keep the grill going.

In any of these situations, the best combo grills always offer the chance of switching to the other mode and never get short of fuel.

• Better & More Cooking Option

Versatility is the second name of all hybrid grills. You won’t have to stick to a single type of cooking for any food you’re making.

Having the chance to mix it up when cooking always adds great touches of flavor to the food depending on what you want to achieve. If you are a chef or a cooking enthusiast, then there’s nothing more pleasant to enjoy on a grill than one of these hybrid systems.

• Less Expensive in Short & Long Term

Yes, you read that right. Finding the best deals on BBQ grills can save you a lot of money that buying an individual type of grill may demand.

On top of that, you won’t have to stick to one single type of fuel. In some cities, charcoal may be more expensive than gas or vice versa. If you want to prevent wasting money on one single type of fuel, then one of these can save you a few bucks over time too.

• Saves Tons of Space

While hybrid grills tend to be slightly larger than standard gas or charcoal ones, they still save tons of space that having individual models for each type of cooking demands.

For example, a regular gas grill can take a lot of space in your backyard. Now imagine two of them when you add the charcoal grill.

With a hybrid model, you will have something that may be bigger than these two – but way smaller than both together. If you have a small house or just want to save space but still want both options – then there’s no better choice than a grill combo.

• Giant Cooking Area

As someone who loves cooking for large crowds, I always found myself struggling to find enough space in a single grill. They are often small and uncomfortable to use, which makes the cooking process a bother.

Luckily, a hybrid grill with charcoal and gas is always larger than a traditional model – offering up to twice the cooking area.

If you are consistently inviting people to your house for a BBQ, then one of these will undoubtedly make the whole cooking experience comfier & less bothersome. 

Drawbacks:

They are amazing in many ways, but they also come with their own set of disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• Charcoal Can Be Unhealthy

Many people don’t know this, but charcoal exerts some particles when burned that can deposit directly on the food. These particles are chemicals that could eventually produce unwanted side effects.

• It Can Get Out of Hand

Cooking with gas tanks, charcoal, and/or wood close to each other can be a little problematic. If you are not careful, everything can get out of hand and produce very dangerous situations. Most models are especially designed to prevent this from happening, but there’s still a chance.

• Cleaning Is Harder

With a bigger, wider, larger, and much more spacious design – combo grills are also way trickier to clean. If you hate cleaning these appliances, then you may not like having one – especially when it comes to charcoal chambers.

Top Rated 10 Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill Reviews

Going over several charcoal combo gas grills can be a little problematic, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To help you save the time and effort, here are a few reviews you can read to learn more about them.

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

As soon as you look at it, you’ll know this is not a joke of a grill. In fact, the Char-Griller 5050 is the best dual grill of its kind.

• Large & Spacious

Offering the chance to enjoy gas and charcoal grilling, this magnificent piece will take your barbecuing experience to another level. But it is not the ability to work with two different power sources, but the colossal design that stands out the most.

It offers 1260 square inches of cooking space. That’s about the same size as two normal-sized stoves. This way, you know you can add as much food as you like without having to look for space when cooking your favorite meals.

• Significant Power Output

But the huge space doesn’t work alone. This grill also boasts a 40,800 BTU gas grill with electronic ignition, plus 3 burners and a 12,000 BTU side burner.

Adding them together will get you one of the most complete grills in the market.

• Durability at Its Best

Apart from all that, this grill comes with a heavy steel construction all around. This build will improve your experience exponentially, adding tons of durability and strength to the piece throughout the years.

The grates are also of the highest quality, boasting porcelain coating in the cast-iron racks. Alongside, you’ll get a hugely reliable stainless-steel heat gauge, ideal for cooking your favorite food in the easiest of ways.

• Convenient & Fast

Another reason this is an excellent choice is its electronic ignition. You can fire up those burners without having to make much of an effort. And with the side gas burner, you’ll have the chance to work even if there’s no electricity to enjoy its electronic ignition system.

Lastly, you get a charcoal system that helps you control the heat effectively. This works wonders with the double-bottom construction for extra insulation and heat expansion.

You can add charcoal very quickly, and you will also receive tons of storage in an underneath shelf and condiment basket.

As for movement, the machine boasts wheels so you can install it anywhere you want for a much more convenient experience. In short, this is not a grill you want to dismiss.

Pros:

  • The huge cooking surface at 1260 sq. inches
  • Powerful 40,800 BTU grill heating capacity
  • Versatile & convenient side burner
  • Practical design with storage space & fast ignition system

Cons:

  • Heavy design rather challenging to move around
  • Feet and legs of the appliance may rust over time

2. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill

No need to look for magnificent hybrid grills when you can pick the Char-Boil Gas2Coal. This is easily the best charcoal propane grill combo for the size.

• Decently Large Design 

You won’t get the largest grill out there, but it will still offer enough space for a family meal without having to look for any solution to cooking everything at once. With the 420-square-inch cooking surface and its 120 square-inch warming area, you’ll have enough space for a comfy grilling experience.

But the real advantage of this exceptional grill is the ability to go from gas to charcoal without having to use any tool. It will make the change in just a few minutes, so you can enjoy your favorite meals in a superior way without wasting any time or effort.

• Potency & Fast Cooking

All this comes with an outstanding grill that boasts 40,000 BTU of heating power. This is enough to cook all your meals in the most effective and fast way possible. Add the 12,000 BTU side burner, and you’ll have even better results, either for cooking small things or just warming up your meals.

The burners will start with an electronic ignition system that saves time when using. And you can set the temperature by using the lid-mounted temp gauge. With just a simple turn of a knob, you’ll have the chance to heat-up at your preferred temperature. 

• Durable & Reliable

The main cooking area comes with 3 stainless steel burners along with porcelain-coated cast-iron racks. You can expect a long-lasting grill that will never dirty up your food or deliver deficient cooking. They will also be easy to clean and add tons of heating efficiency, so your food cooks in no time.

• Practical Features 

To make this grill even better, you get an engineered charcoal tray where you can add it easily. But the real benefit comes from its flare-reducing capacity that keeps the heat effective and less dangerous.

You will also get storage for the propane tank, safe from the view and locked if needed. It also boasts two wheelies so you can transport it anywhere if needed.

Overall, this gas & charcoal combo grill will take your experience to unbeatable levels of enjoyment. After getting this appliance, your whole view of barbecuing will never be the same.

Pros:

  • The decently sized cooking surface
  • Superb cooking power with 40k BTU
  • Reliable & durable steel construction
  • Handy temp gauges, wheelies & extra storage space

Cons:

  • Charcoal sits too close to the grates
  • Assembly may take several hours

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

Once you learn about the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Gas Charcoal Smoker, you’ll know it is a strong competitor to get the best charcoal gas grill combo trophy. Everything it delivers will make your grilling experience a lot more enjoyable and satisfying.

• Top-Notch Burner System

The burner system of this appliance comes almost entirely covered in porcelain. From the cast-iron grid on the infrared burner to the cast-iron grates on the gas side, and the warming rack where you can cook delicate foods – everything is covered in porcelain for extra durability.

Of course, the cast-iron is what adds fantastic results, adding more weight to all the grids, so they last much more and prevent inconsistent cooking on your food. 

• Fast Propane Cooking

But the real benefit of this magnificent grill comes from the fact that you can cook in several different ways. As you should know by now, you can get the most out of the infrared side burner, the liquid propane three-burner side, and the gas grill that you can use with charcoal if needed.

You even receive a smoker box so you can add the unique flavor to your food without the extra appliance.

Everything comes with its own set of advantages so you can pick your preferable way depending on what they offer. Surely, though, each one of the four cooking methods will surpass your expectations in both quality and overall speed.

• Easy Adjustments

Even though you have four different ways to cook your food with this grill, you also get straightforward adjustments to the temperature.

It comes with a charcoal tray along with some dampers that you can use to enjoy extra temperature control.

As for the liquid propane and the small infrared burners, you’ll have the chance to use the 5 different knobs for temperature without problems. You will achieve the desired temp on your foods without having to make any effort.

• Hugely Practical

Lastly, the whole design adds the chance to enjoy a superb set of features that will make the cooking easier.

From the side smoker firebox that will add the delicious flavor to your food, to the grease-resistant ash pans that provide fast cleaning, and even the two lower shelves for extra storage capacity.

If you’re just looking for the best quality out there, then this is the model to go for.

Pros:

  • Uniquely practical cooking in 4 ways
  • Extremely durable porcelain-coated grates
  • Handy design with extra storage space & mobility
  • The design makes handling a piece of cake

Cons:

  • Takes several hours to assemble completely
  • Exterior material demands lots of care & cleaning

4. Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill

Many people have named the Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D the best charcoal BBQ grill due to its exceptional convenience and heating capacity. And there wouldn’t be wrong. There’s so much about this appliance to consider that you may never enjoy it to the fullest.

• Built To Last

The first thing you’ll find about this grill is the excellent construction using stainless steel burners. These commercial-grade parts will improve the effectiveness of the heating but also last a lifetime without problems.

They go really well with the heavy-duty porcelain-enameled grates. These grids are made of cast iron which adds to the whole durability and resistance of the grill.

The best of all is the heat transfer. Despite being precisely made for durability, they will also make the cooking faster – which is something you don’t get with many grill models out there.

• Strong Heating Capacity

You can know this grill needs to be durable just from the fact that its burner delivers up to 24,000 of BTU to cook. Yes, you’ll get an immense amount of heating power that will heat up your favorite meals in just a matter of minutes.

It will cook your meals much more effectively than other models. The heat distribution with the grills, the fantastic cooking power, and the ideal design of the grill will improve how your food cooks when compared to other models.

• Handy Temp Chances

Apart from its heating potency, it also delivers fast & effortless heat controls. You won’t have to be continually tweaking the knob to achieve your ideal temp – you just enjoy its straightforward system with a single turn.

It even comes with an electronic ignition that saves you the time, effort, and danger from heating up in other ways. And it all comes down in a chrome-plated set of control valves that will start up and configure the heat without letting you down.

As for the charcoal cooking, you will have a tray crank for adjustments. So you can move the charcoal depending on the results you want.

• Hugely Spacious

Finally, this appliance will provide the perfect design so you can heat up as much food as you want without ever getting short.

It delivers 952 of square inches in the cooking area, enough to add tons of food for an entire family or group of friends.

But that’s not all – you also get powder-coated steel side tables with a collapsible design, several towel bars, two cabinets, and tool hooks.

Pros:

  • Highly effective cooking with 24k BTU of power
  • Ideal design for fast & accurate temperature changes
  • Huge design for extra cooking space
  • High-quality construction with steel & cast iron

Cons:

  • The thin exterior material dents easily
  • Porcelain coating tends to chip over time

5. Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo

Described as the best charcoal gas combo grill by most of its users, the Oklahoma Joe’s grill with charcoal, gas, and propane is a combo you shouldn’t dismiss.

When it comes to delivering heating capacity, versatility, and convenient set of features – this is one of the best grills you can go for.

• Tons of Cooking Area

The first thing that you’ll love about this appliance is the gigantic design. It comes with 6 different grates for a total of 1060 square inches of cooking area.

This will let you enjoy enough space for all kinds of preparations. It doesn’t matter if it is hamburgers, entire chickens, or a veggie meal – the spacious design doesn’t disappoint.

This gets better when you consider the 750-square-inch cooking surface in the main chamber and the 310 square inches in the firebox chamber. On top of that, you get a decent charcoal cooker on the side for extra capacity.

• High Power Output

But having tons of space is not enough if you want to cook your food efficiently. Here’s where the 36,000 BTU of power capacity enter into play.

The 3 burners in the appliance offer 12,000 BTU each so you can enjoy fast & consistent cooking for years.

Even the charcoal burner on the side offers the same amount of heating power – that’s how fantastic this grill is.

Besides, you get stainless steel burners and porcelain-coated iron grids for extra heat consistency – so your food cooks effectively at all times.

• Practical Adjustments

Having the chance to enjoy propane, charcoal, and gas cooking is fantastic. But nothing compares to the ability to adjust the temperature in each one effectively.

That’s what you get with this excellent product. You get multiple dampers for the smoking chamber and the firebox – so achieving the desired results is a piece of cake.

The propane chamber and the side warming space all come with their own temp knobs. You can easily set the ideal temperature without much effort.

• Useful Extras

Many additional parts of this appliance that will make your experience much better. It all starts with the storage shelf below the grills. Here you can place anything from dishes to charcoal, food, and more.

Then you get lid-mounted temp gauges. They will help you know the temp of the chambers without having to use a thermometer.

And with the simple firebox access, you can always know how the food is cooking on your smoker effectively. On top of that, the handles are all cool-touch designed. This means you won’t ever burn your fingers while using the grill.

Pros:

  • Immense design for 1,060 square inches of space
  • Up to 36,000 BTU of heating power entirely
  • Several extra features for more convenience 
  • Easy & fast to adjust 

Cons:

  • The metal wheels are totally unreliable
  • Doesn’t offer space for hanging or placing utensils

6. Backyard Grill Durable Outdoor Barbeque & Burger Gas/charcoal Grill Combo

It looks like a simple grill, but it is actually the best charcoal and gas grill for people who want to save some space.

Enjoying a family gathering or a friend’s reunion will never be as enjoyable as it is with this appliance, as it offers everything you could need.

• Generous Design

Excellent design always boasts enough space so you can cook all your meals without feeling overwhelmed. And with the 557 square inches of cooking space that this grill offers, you won’t desire a single inch more.

The grill divides into two chambers: one of 262 square inches for the charcoal cooking, and a 295 square inches grill for the gas cooking.

• Effective Heating

To make good use of all that space, this excellent grill also comes with enough heating power so you can cook all your foods effectively.

The 12,000 BTU burners will make sure that all your meals are consistently cooked and ready to be eaten in just minutes. The main charcoal grills along with the gas burner will provide an outstanding 24,000 BTU of heating power that will surpass your expectations entirely.

• High-Quality Build

In terms of durability and heating effectiveness, you will also enjoy a well-made build. It boasts a porcelain heat plate, a cast-iron grid, a chrome-plated warming rack and a baked enamel bottom bowl that will help you cook all kinds of stuff.

The control panel comes with four control knobs with rubber grips so you can use it without burning your fingers. And with the steel build, you can expect this panel to last a lifetime. 

• Convenience at Its Best

The best about this appliance is the bottom storage rack. You’ll have enough space to store a propane gas tank, charcoal, and just anything for extra convenience. The two holders below the burners also add more handiness, so you can place utensils and tools when cooking.

On top of that, you get two temp gauges on the lids, ideal for keeping notice of the temp at all times. And to finish its overall design, you get two rubber wheelies so you can move the combo around if needed.

Putting it all together will get you a fantastic appliance in its entirety.

Pros:

  • Superb 24,000 BTU of heating power
  • Handy design with storage rack & utensil holders
  • Durable & reliable internal & external construction
  • Ideal size for enough cooking space

Cons:

  • The time-consuming and tricky assembly process
  • The lid may feel a little flimsy

7. Royal Gourmet ZH3003S 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill, Combo

This was the best charcoal grill 2018 for many people – and it still holds a great place among the newest models.

Probably boasting the most convenient set of features and delivering effective cooking performance, there´s no doubt this one is up there with the best of its kind.

• High Power Output

One of the things that you´ll notice this grill does amazingly well is cooking. And it all comes down to the 9,000 BTU of power in three burners, offering a total of 27,000 BTU in its entirety. This will get all your favorite meals cooked in no time.

This power gets even better thanks to a magnificent automatic ignition system that starts in just seconds. You won´t have to waste any time or effort turning this grill on with deficient methods.

To make it even better, the stainless steel chambers provide the perfect heat delivery, so your foods cook effectively in less time. 

• Well-Sized Design

But these stainless steel lids are not small. In fact, each one offers 300 square inches of cooking area so you can get a total of 600 square inches for the grill. And you´ll get an additional 209-square-inch of space by adding the two warming racks on the sides.

This appliance even comes with an adjustable charcoal pan so you can cook all your food however you prefer while preventing side effects on your meals.

• Ideal Construction

All of the heating effectiveness and perfect size comes thanks to the double-layer stainless steel lids that make sure the heat stays inside. This will also improve the durability of the product and increase how well the food cooks.

These lids work really well when you add the air vents on top. The vents will promote an even more effective heat circulation around the grill, helping you cook any food in the most effective way possible. 

• Extremely Practical Features

It all gets better when you add all of its extra functions such as the oil management system – useful for cleaning efficiently and preventing buildup.

The storage space below comes in two cabinets so you can save anything from food to your gas tank and even charcoal or any accessory and tool.

With the built-in thermometer, you’ll have the chance to see the temp at all times. And with the 3-inches wheels, you can move the appliance around without any problem.

Pros:

  • Excellent stainless steel build for durability
  • Superb heat distribution & output
  • Perfect size for extra comfort
  • The wide array of convenient features

Cons:

  • Really heavy and challenging to move around
  • Storage interior is not waterproof

8. Blossomz Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill

For those grilling enthusiasts who appreciate a high-quality appliance – the Dual Fuel Combination grill from Blossomz is among the best charcoal barbecue grills that you can find out there. And so, it will become an excellent choice for anyone who knows what grilling is all about.

• Spacious Design

The capacity to cook with two different fuels is practical. But the real benefit comes from its colossal design boasting 557 square inches of cooking area. You can fit up to 30 burgers or more in the whole grill – making it amazingly useful for big gathering at home.

This huge design is divided into 262 square inches for the charcoal chamber and 295 for the gas grill. But you can also find an additional 188 square inches of space with the warming rack.

• Powerful Output

Despite its size, what stands out the most is the magnificent power output. You get a potent set of 3 gas burners offering 8,000 BTUs each. They will deliver a whopping 24,000 BTU capacity for the gas chamber – so cooking becomes easy and fast.

As for the charcoal burner 12,000 BTU in its entirety, so cooking becomes effortless. This gets better with the integrated ignition system with rubber controls, ideal for fast tweaking when using.

• Well-Made Construction

Everything from the burners to the bowls where the charcoal will sit is made of the highest-quality materials.

The stainless steel gas burners, for example, will deliver no less than a decade of use without problems. Then you get the enamel bottom bowls, perfect for keeping charcoal off the surface and making cleaning a piece of cake.

Then you can enjoy all the cast-iron grids that alongside the heat plates with porcelain coating will not only last a lot of time but prevent flare-ups. And when you add the painted control panel, it all becomes an even better product overall.

• Handy Design

To finish this piece in the best way possible, Blossomz added a set of features that will add tons of convenience.

For example, you get a height-adjustable charcoal tray with front access for easy pouring & moving. Then you get a removable ashtray for fast cleaning and all the enamel lids with steel trimming for extra durability.

Lastly, the appliance comes with a bottom part where you can place your gas tank. And when it comes to moving it around, two wheelies will make it possible.

Pros:

  • Delivers enough space for tons of food
  • Decent power output for fast cooking
  • Tremendous quality in construction for durability
  • Comes with a few practical features for easy use

Cons:

  • Takes a lot of time to assemble
  • Lids may not close correctly

9. Char-Griller Dual 2 Burner Charcoal and Gas Grill

It is not easy to pick the best charcoal and gas grill combo with so many options available out there. Luckily, Char-Griller exists to provide exactly what you’re looking for without leaving anything behind.

If you appreciate quality over anything else, then this is an almost perfect appliance you'll want at home.

• Compact but Spacious Design

The grill is not the largest in the market. But it offers enough space in its two smokestacks so you can cook anything without problems.

These are two smoke chambers, one that uses gas and the other that uses charcoal. Both are pretty efficient and provide enough space for over 20 burgers and similar foods inside.

In total, you’ll get 860 square inches of space divided into three compartments. The first charcoal side and the gas chamber are 303 square inches each for 606 in total. Then you get a small 264 square inches side burner for extra warming space. 

• Long-Lasting Build

This appliance will not let you down for years. You are likely to receive decades of use out of this grill thanks to the porcelain coating in the cast-iron grids.

The heavy-duty construction in the steel exterior also adds a long-lasting effect. It prevents rust and delivers a sturdy design that stands all kinds of exterior factors. This gets better with the powder coating finish that improves its overall resilience exponentially. 

• Proper Adjustability

But this appliance doesn’t stay behind in terms of power and adjustability. In fact, you get 24,000 BTUs in total when adding the two chambers. This will be enough to cook your favorite food in just minutes.

You can always see the temperature in the gauge on top of the lid, ideal for preparing food with more precision. And with the adjustable grate height in both chambers, so you can also make sure that your food cooks as fast as you desire without setbacks. 

• Practical Extra Features

As for additional functions that make it even more functional, you can enjoy a side firebox compatibility. It allows you to add more cooking options if needed.

Then you get the small warming rack on the side, ideal for cooking delicate foods like vegetables.

And with the side shelf, the utensil hooks, and the easy-to-dump ash pan - you get no less than a hugely functional grill.

Pros:

  • Decent design for enough cooking space
  • Delivers excellent heating power with adjustments
  • Extra set of features comes pretty handily over time
  • Reliable & long-lasting construction overall

Cons:

  • Steel construction may be susceptible to rust
  • It doesn’t offer storage space

10. Fire Magic Aurora A830i Built-in Dual Propane Gas And Charcoal Combo

No need to waste a fortune in appliances that won’t match your demands. But when it comes to the best combo gas charcoal grill, then it is totally worth it.

While the Fire Magic Aurora A830i may be a little more expensive than its competitors, the quality you get is unbeatable.

• Extremely High Output

Everyone loves great power in their appliances, they always make everything easier. That’s precisely what this grill offers – up to 90,000 BTUs in total so you can receive the most effective cooking you can imagine.

The first burner offers 26,000 BTU alone. You can make it work with charcoal or wood if needed, which adds some convenience despite its already high power output.

Then you get a 16,000 BTU rotisserie burner on the rear part, this will be ideal for your smoked and roasted foods.

But what really stands out is the E-Burners that work with gas. They can offer an outstanding 50,000 BTU capacity that will blow your mind in terms of effectiveness and cooking results.

• Well-Made Interior

The interior is what makes all this heating capacity work wonders. In the wood/charcoal chamber, for example, you can enjoy separators that let you control what heats up quickly and what doesn’t.

As for the rotisserie, you can enjoy a stainless steel construction that distributes the heat hugely effectively. You also get a heavy-duty kit for extra handiness when using this chamber.

The Diamond Sear Trapezoidal cooking grids made of 16-gauge stainless steel won’t let you down either – providing extra heat distribution all around.

And finally, you can enjoy the cast stainless steel burners in the gas chamber. These magnificent burners provide decades of durability without setbacks.

• Decent Cooking Space

This machine doesn’t let space behind either. You get 828 square inches of cooking area that will make it easy to enjoy family or friends gatherings.

Adding the double-walled hood with tear-drop design and the seamless control panel, cooking with this grill will be a total pleasure. 

• Convenient Design

It also comes with a wide array of helpful features, including a back-lit set of control lights for easy cooking. You get blue LED lights that turn red when you lit up a specific burner. And then you get a removable warming rack for extra practicality.

The charcoal chamber comes with adjustable height for more heat control. And then you can enjoy an easy-to-clean design with a disposable drip collection system.

Pros:

  • A large cooking area at 828 square inches
  • Unbeatable power output at 50,000 BTUs
  • Superb construction with 16-gauge stainless steel
  • Practical LED lights & unique heat control

Cons:

  • It doesn’t offer legs or feet
  • Demands a tabletop surface to be installed

Buyers Guide: Before You Buy a Best Charcoal Gas Grill Combo, What to Look For

Now that you've read all of our charcoal gas grill combo reviews – it is time to go over the different factors you need to consider before buying. Here’s what matters the most when it comes to picking the right combo:

1. Power Output

All grills have a specific power output. This refers to the heating capacity of the appliance, how much heating power it can deliver to cook your food.

The default measurement unit is BTU. This acronym refers to the British Thermal Unit. The more BTUs a grill has, the more effective it will be to cook and the hotter it will get.

But of course, the more BTU a grill has, the more fuel it will also burn in that period. So it is crucial to know that keeping the BTU on the right level will be essential.

Another vital factor to consider is that BTU alone won’t make the food cook. You will also need the right environment. So while having tons of heating capacity can be a great way to achieve excellent cooking results, it’s also essential to have nice heat distribution.

For the ideal power output, we recommend considering the amount of cooking space and the BTU at the same time. The more space you have, the more BTU you should also have. Otherwise, you can have tons of BTU but a large cooking area – that will only leave the BTU to work deficiency.

To pick the best gas charcoal grill in terms of BTU, you’ll have to choose at least 3,000 BTU of power per burner. That would be enough to heat up a 100 square inches cooking area, which is about the size of a small charcoal grill.

In other words, if you want a 1,000 square inch of total cooking space, you should focus on having at least 30,000 BTU of power output in total.

But remember, BTU can also get affected by the quality of the lid (it could be thin and let the heat out), the heat distribution depending on its interior design, and many other factors.

2. Cooking Area

Now, we’re going to explain how the cooking area affects the performance & convenience of the appliance.

Of course, this cooking space will make all the difference between a grill that offers enough space for preparing food for 2 people or preparing food for up to 10 people at the same time.

If you’re cooking for only two people, you won’t need more than 100 square inches of cooking space. But if you’re cooking 10 to 20 hamburgers at the same time, you’ll have to go for over 1,000 square inches for the best results.

It is important to note that combo grills have several chambers to consider. So the cooking space will be divided into two, three, or even four different chambers depending on the design.

For example, the best brand gas grill with a charcoal chamber may have up to 350 square inches. This is enough to fit up to 15 hamburgers at the same time. But for propane or gas chambers, you will be looking at around 250 square inches.

You can add up 100 square inches for an additional warming rack on the side, which would give you 700 square inches in total.

Having 700 square inches of cooking space in 3 different chambers will be enough to get your grill to cook enough food for up to 20 people without problems. But of course, you’ll have to consider overall power output and heating efficiency.

3. Heat Distribution

After learning about power output and cooking area, it is time to learn how the heat distribution works. This is important because it will tell you how effective the grill will be at cooking.

For this, though, you’ll have to care more about the design, the ventilation, the type of closing, and how the power output and size can work together.

The best gas charcoal smoker grill combo will offer excellent sealing when the lid is closed. For the ventilation, it should only have one orifice where the smoke gets out. And as for size/power – you should make sure it offers at least 3,000 BTU for every 100 square inches of cooking space.

Another critical factor is how far the grills are from the burners or the charcoal bed. The closer they are, the faster the cooking will be. But if they are far away from the grates, then the cooking won’t be as good.

If the machine has two or three levels of grids, then you should also consider that. The levels over the first one will obviously not cook as effectively – so make sure to pick according to that.

Best charcoal and gas grill combo reviews

4. Fuel Options

Now that you’ve learned all about the power output of grills and how you can measure the cooking space – it is time to learn about the different types of fuel options for grills.

Typically, you will find two types: charcoal and gas. But some models also accept propane and wood, which can be an excellent feature if you like versatility.

When it comes to overall performance, they all offer similar results. However, it is essential to note that between charcoal vs propane – propane will always be faster and achieve higher temperatures. However, charcoal offers a unique flavor and may provide the chance to smoke your food.

Gas grills work similarly to propane as they are highly effective and way more affordable.

Similarly, charcoal tends to have a meager cost overall. The only problem is that charcoal may be a little bother to fire up and prepare foods with if you aren’t too experienced or patient.

But overall, focus on having as many fuel options as possible. If the grill accepts three or four types of fueling alternatives – then you’ll be getting a fantastic appliance for sure.

5. Temp Controls

Cooking effectively and having the right fuel options are not enough for a grill to provide the experience you’re looking for. That’s why the temperature control is such a vital feature to think about before choosing.

A hybrid grill will come with dampers, vents, and adjustable trays for the charcoal chamber. This is hugely important if you want to adjust the charcoal inside the chamber when needed. We recommend getting away from those grills that don’t come with an option to adjust the control of the charcoal area.

As for gas or propane burners, you will obviously have to look for temp knobs like a stove. These will be ideal for adjusting the temp inside the appliance without having to make much of an effort. Some options may come with additional built-in thermometers. These make the temp control even better.

6. Charcoal Access 

This is another crucial factor that will make all the difference between an ineffective grill and a practical one.

For example, the best combination grills should have easy and convenient access to where the charcoal goes. The ideal access would be a cabinet where you pour the charcoal and then insert once again into the grill for it to cook your food.

This will save you time and effort of having to lift the grid of the grill, pour the charcoal inside without burning hands or arms, and eventually moving the charcoal around to burn it up.

Overall, you just want to have the most efficient way of adding charcoal to the grill without wasting time or making much of an effort. The more efficient the grill, the easier it will be to use, and the better you’ll feel using it.

7. Maintenance & Cleaning

One of the things that stand out among the best dual fuel grills is that they’re also pretty easy to maintain and clean.

Especially the charcoal chamber, it is very likely to get dirty in no time and can be a significant issue to clean as well. Luckily, some models have the chance to get the charcoal chamber, the grills, grates, and any other part that has contact with coal so you can clean it with ease.

The rest of the appliance should also be easy to maintain. Focus on stainless steel or moisture-resistant exterior that prevents rust and spots. Also, make sure to get something that doesn’t let moisture or water get inside the grill. That could eventually create mold and other similar side effects.

Overall, focus on something easy to clean with reliable construction. That would be the best thing to do is you want effortless upkeep and straightforward cleaning.

8. Additional Features to Consider

There are a few other things that you can find on the best gas and charcoal grill combo.

Among them, you’ll find smoker functionality. It tends to go on the charcoal chamber and provides the chance to impregnate your food with the flavorful smoke when cooking.

Another excellent feature would be storage space. Getting a below cabinet where you can place the gas or propane tank will also improve the experience of using the grill.

Finally, any additional feature such as rubber covers for the handles, knobs, and other parts for secure handling will be useful. Hooks, holders, and the line for hanging tools & utensils – all of them will make the experience much more enjoyable.

Using of Gas Charcoal Combo at the Same Time – Is It Safe?

Yes, it is totally safe to use charcoal grill vs gas at the same time. However, you’ll have to make sure that the chambers are separated.

In some models, the charcoal and gas chambers are not divided, which could make it dangerous to use both at the same time due to the flammability of charcoal.

So, before you use the charcoal & gas chambers at the same time – make sure they are divided. If that’s so – then you’ll be safe.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Even after reading our buying and reviews, you may still hold some doubts as for why, how, and what to pick. To relieve some those doubts, this section may help you out:

Q1: Should I do any type of maintenance to my gas & charcoal grill?

Yes, we recommend cleaning the machine before and after every use to keep it working without problems. 

Q2: Can I prevent my combo grill from rusting?

Yes. It is also advisable to protect it with a cover when it is not being used. This will prevent moisture and water from having direct contact with the appliance. It will also prevent dirt & dust from entering in the grills.

Q3: How many years of use can I expect out of my combo grill?

These appliances may last between 5 to 20 years, depending on the use and care. However, the best combination gas and charcoal grill may easily last a lifetime.

Q4: Is it expensive to use a combo grill?

No, as we mentioned – one of the advantages of using a combo grill is that they save money in the short and long term.

Q5: Can I place a combo grill inside my house?

Yes, they can work practically anywhere – but they work better outdoors. In fact, it is safer to use a grill outdoors to prevent any damage to your house interior due to the heat and smoke.

Final Words: You went through a long journey, trying to find the best gas charcoal combo grill. Now, it is time to make your choice.

Remember to consider our guidance, reviews, and other critical info before making your choice. You will have an excellent combo grill at home if you do that. Cheerios!

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  • Updated January 25, 2024
  • Grills
Theresa Lori
 

Hi, I'm Theresa. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This bonding helped me to know more and more about to smoke, grill what always I share on SmokeGears.com. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover.

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