Master Grilling With These 7 Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grills

The age-old debate between gas and charcoal remains relevant as both options present unique benefits. Fortunately, grilling enthusiasts now have a superior choice: gas and charcoal grills that do the best of both worlds. If you seek the best gas charcoal combo grill, delve into this article. We also offer an essential buying guide to ensure you make an informed decision.

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Charcoal And Propane Gas Combination Smoker And Grill – Best Overall

Key specifications:

The Canyon model from Oklahoma Joe is a complete solution for grilling enthusiasts. It combines three fundamental functions, including gas grilling, charcoal grilling, and smoking, into a single compact unit. 

The gas grill operates on liquid propane, easily reaches high temperatures, and generates 36,000 BTUs. Meanwhile, the charcoal grill section is fueled by split hardwood and chunks. Opting for an indirect heat mechanism, it maintains moderate temperatures for even cooking.

This option features a horizontal cooking chamber with a generous surface of 750 square inches. According to the manufacturer, it allows home chefs to accommodate 12 burgers or two large pork shoulders. If you invest in an optional firebox, a 281-square-inch grill handles an additional 15 chicken wings.

Furthermore, adjustable smokestack dampers facilitate precise control over temperature and smoke levels. This model also boasts a removable ash pan for easy cleanup and rubber-grooved wheels and grip handles for outdoor usage.

Completing your culinary adventure are a flat bottom shelf for storing fuel and two side shelves for organizing cooking ingredients. Three hooks prove advantageous when you want to hang spoons, tongs, or other utensils.

Pros

• Large cooking space
• Optimal heat control with adjustable dampers and smokestack
• Sturdy construction

Con

• Bulky and heavy

2. Char-Broil Pro Series 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill – Best Compact

Key specifications:

The Char-Broil Pro Series catches the interest of potential consumers with its sleek and modern design. It resembles a small stove mounted on a mobile stand with two heavy-duty wheels. Its modest footprint allows for versatile placement, especially in cramped settings.

Despite its compact dimensions, this model offers a spacious cooking surface for 12 steaks, 25 burgers, or 18 chicken breasts. Two side areas provide additional space for different purposes. For example, the side burner generates 10,000 BTUs to boil water or sauté vegetables. At the same time, the right shelf serves as a convenient spot for plates and utensils or as a workstation for culinary activities.

Beyond its physical size, the cooking technology equipped with the Char-Broil Pro Series adds to its appeal. The modular cooking system performs quick ignition in under 90 seconds for charcoal grilling. The gas grilling function is powered by liquid propane, reaching temperatures of up to 500°F within 10 minutes. 

The grill plates, made of cold-rolled steel, withstand high heat and maintain optimal temperatures. They come with a rear slot to collect excess grease. Their surfaces are coated with ceramic coated to resist rust and stains, simplifying cleaning and reducing flare-ups. Ultimately, the Amplifire cooking technology enhances food flavor regardless of your grilling expertise.

Pros

• Compact dimensions
• Advanced cooking technology to enhance flavor
• High BTU rating

Cons

• Poor diffusers
• Lack of storage space

3. Royal Gourmet GD403 Propane Gas Grill and Griddle Combo – Best Power

Key specifications:

The GD403 model from Royal Gourmet stands out in the market thanks to its exceptional performance. It boasts 4 stainless steel burners to produce a total of 48,000 BTUs. The independent burner design allows for versatile heat control for two separate cooking zones.

The enameled cast iron grate is recommended for grilling ribs, steaks, or smashing. Meanwhile, the ceramic-coated grates deliver excellent results when grilling bacon, vegetables, or even stir-frying. Ignition is as easy as pie owing to the automatic system function. Simply put, it is effortless to catch fire by turning four large knobs on the control panel.

Beneath the burners is a large grease tray to collect drips and residue for easy cleanup. The manufacturer also enhances user convenience with thoughtful details, such as tool hooks, a paper towel holder, or a wind deflector. 

Pros

• Exceptional performance
• Easy to assemble and store with foldable legs
• Many convenient add-ons
• Hassle-free cleanup

Cons

• The temperature is sometimes hard to control
• Susceptible to rust without proper storage

4. Blossomz Dual Fuel Combination Grill – Best Temperature Control

Key specifications:

The Blossomz grill Gourmet is the way to go for inexperienced cooks who find it challenging to control grilling heat. Two cooking chambers come with separate dome lid for heat retention. The built-in gauge provides digital temperature control to monitor the ambient temperature around the grill.

The gas grilling zone, however, takes up a bit more space. It is equipped with two heavy-duty cast iron grates and an efficient waste management system. Meanwhile, the charcoal chamber features a smokestack, a slide-out ash tray and a grease container.

This model is powered by three stainless steel burners that generate 24,000 BTUs in total. The electronic spark ignition comes into play with a simple button push. The auto-ignition knobs also allow for precise temperature adjustments.

Another selling point of the Blossomz model is its portable dimension. It boasts two plastic wheels for easy transportation. The bottom shelf adds to its allure, providing extra space for storage. 

Pros

• Portability 
• Digital temperature control
• Good heat retain

Cons

• Sketchy manual construction
• Complicated assembly

5. Sophia & William Charcoal And Propane Gas Grill Combo – Best For Durability

Key specifications:

Sophia & William utilizes premium materials for its components, resulting in a prolonged lifespan across its product range. For example, the frame, constructed from stainless steel and cast iron, bolsters the base’s strength. The burners and handles are also made from the same robust material to withstand heat.

Meanwhile, the BBQ grills are crafted with cast iron to distribute heat evenly and retain consistent temperature. A porcelain enamel coating is added to the surface to resist rust and cracking and facilitate cleaning.

Two separate grilling areas with a total area of ​​690 square inches empower home chefs to customize their culinary creations. While the adjustable charcoal trays infuse a delicious smoky flavor, the gas burners provide quick heat control for efficient meal preparation. The adjustable air vent and damper enhance air circulation and heat retention, assisting your cooking process.

Additionally, users benefit from built-in features, such as an electronic ignition system, a side burner, and a side prep table with hooks. The extra area beneath the stove provides space to store gas cylinders and other necessary tools.

Pros

• Rust and crack-resistant 
• Easy cleaning
• Extra large storage space

Cons

• Poor paint
• Slow delivery service

6. Char-Griller Dual-Function Propane Gas And Charcoal Combination Grill—Best Smoking

Key specifications:

The Char-Griller E5030 features a powerful gas burner capable of reaching 24,000 BTUs. The electronic piezo ignition ignites the flame at the touch of a button. Featuring two stainless steel burners that create separate cooking zones on a single grill, it is perfect for large gatherings.

The charcoal side excels in slow grillings, imparting a distinct smoky flavor to your dishes. It is advisable to attach a side firebox (sold separately) to transform your appliance into a combo grill with a smoker. 

Airflow concerns are alleviated by the built-in damper in the E5030 models, ensuring even heat distribution around your ingredients. Additionally, a temperature gauge leaves you peace of mind when monitoring the heat levels inside the cooking chamber.

Even better, this Char-Griller appliance features dump ash for quick cleanup and heavy-duty cast iron grates. The thick porcelain surface enhances heat retention and flavor infusion. 

While steel construction reinforces the grill’s durability, it adds to the item’s weight. Fortunately, the manufacturer has installed two wheels for increased mobility. However, storage space is limited, with only a single side table for the additional burner.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Spacious cooking surface
• Outstanding smoking function

Con

• Low BTU rating

7. Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill And Charcoal Grill Combo—Best Feature-Rich

Key specifications:

The Captiva Designs product offers a wide range of features. In addition to the super large cooking zones of 520 square inches, this option also has two warp plates for perforations that extend the space to 170 square inches. Unlike conventional designs, these components come with perforations, making it easy to drain grease and clean up.

The main cooking area is divided into gas and charcoal grillings with built-in porcelain enameled cast iron grates. They distribute heat well from 3 stainless steel burners and are resistant to sticking, rusting, and cracking. Both zones also feature slide-out grease/ash scoops below the burners and a thermometer on the lid. These details are all designed to enhance the user experience.

The charcoal grilling zone features a well-planned ventilation system. There are a total of 4 air vents on the lid, front edge, and side to ensure excellent cooking and aroma on the ribs.

The 61-inch-long cooking counter also includes a side burner and a side table. If you still find it not enough space, the extra-large bottom comes to accommodate essentials and gas cylinders. Hooks on two side tables are within reach for hanging towels and garbage bags.

Pros 

• Multiple built-in features and accessories
• Secondary cooking racks included
• Heavy-duty grates
• Great air vent system

Con

• Galvanized lockable casters sometimes fell

Things To Consider When Shopping For A Gas Charcoal Grill Combo

Size

The ideal grill size depends on your preferences. Most chefs prefer a large cooking space to handle multiple dishes at once, while some prefer a compact design. A recommended size for most situations is around 400 square inches to accommodate 12 burger patties. Consider your needs and the space available in your home to find a suitable option.

Build Quality

When it comes to longevity, the material used for your grill plays a crucial role, particularly if you intend to use it for outdoor events. A solid construction guarantees that your appliance will stay in good condition for 5 to 10 years. Below are three key elements to pay close attention to:

• Stainless steel frame: Consumers definitely want a sturdy base for their grills. Note that some types of steel are more prone to rust than others.
• Cast iron and porcelain grills: This is definitely the best combo for components that come into direct contact with heat. Both materials can endure high temperatures, resist stick and rust, and distribute heat evenly.
• Infrared burners: This design is considered a progressive leap in grill technology. It delivers uniform heat distribution beneath the grates, enhancing cooking performance.

Power

The efficiency of a gas grilling zone is elevated by the British Thermal Units (BTU). This parameter varies across models based on the number of burners. Basically, a higher BTU rating indicates a higher capacity to generate more heat. 

While cooking at the maximum temperature isn’t always necessary, having a high BTU rating offers versatile control over cooking temperatures. This flexibility enables chefs to experiment with various cooking techniques during their culinary endeavors.

Accessories

While the burner serves as the core component of a gas grill, the dampers and vents are bells and whistles for a delicious charcoal grilling dish. Modern grills now have at least two dampers located in the lid and below the cooking chamber to regulate airflow.

Furthermore, ease of access to the charcoal is crucial, as chefs need to replenish or replace charcoal frequently. Therefore, a slide-out charcoal tray with an insulated handle stands out in this regard. 

Manufacturers often provide a variety of supplementary accessories, such as hooks, side burners, storage compartments, etc., to level up the user experience.

Warranty

While warranties may not be a top priority for all shoppers, they offer valuable protection. They save you significant money in the event of appliance malfunctions (if it’s not your fault, of course). 

Depending on certain circumstances, the brand can offer repairs, replacements, or refunds. Opting for grills with warranties lasting at least five years is advisable for added peace of mind.

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