A hybrid grill is one outdoor cooker with two independent fireboxes under a single hood: a gas burner section for fast weeknight cooking and a charcoal section for slow smoking. If you want the speed and easy temperature control of propane alongside the flavor of a charcoal fire, a gas and charcoal combo grill removes the need to own, store and clean two separate appliances. Yes, they are worth it for most buyers, with two caveats we get into below.
We spent weeks reading owner reviews, comparing burner output, primary cooking areas and charcoal systems across every dual fuel grill we could find, and we put the ten that survived that filter below in price-band order of usefulness rather than raw sticker. One of them, the Char-Griller Dual-Function E5030, is the one we would put on a patio without hesitating.
The most common question on grilling forums about this category is blunt: are combos worth it, or do they do both jobs half as well as a dedicated single-fuel grill? The honest answer is that the gas side on most of these matches a standalone gas grill of similar price, and the charcoal side is a real charcoal firebox, not an afterthought. What you give up is charcoal capacity, and on some models fine low-temperature control.
Before we get to the picks, one clarification that confuses almost every buyer. A hybrid grill, a dual fuel grill and a convertible grill are not always the same thing, and the difference matters more than any brand name.
Hybrid, Dual-Fuel or Convertible: Two Architectures Explained
Most grills in this roundup use a side-by-side dual firebox. A gas burner section sits next to a charcoal pan section, each with its own lid, its own temperature gauge and its own fuel. You can run propane, run charcoal, or run both at once, which is the one capability that makes this layout genuinely useful on a holiday when the turkey smokes on one side and the vegetables sear on the other.
The second architecture is the convertible single firebox. One tray burns gas through burners, and you physically swap in a charcoal tray when you want to cook over coals. Conversion takes a few minutes and the grill holds only one fuel at a time. The upside is a smaller footprint and a lower weight, which is why the lighter picks on this list lean that way.
A third category, true tri-fuel grills, adds wood burning alongside gas and charcoal under one hood. Almost none of those reach the mainstream market, and none of the ten grills here are tri-fuel, so treat any listing claiming gas, charcoal and wood simultaneously as a marketing line rather than a cooking mode until you see the fuel tray.
The vocabulary is used loosely everywhere, including in product titles. When a listing says 4-in-1 or 2-in-1, ignore the count and ask one question: is there a separate charcoal pan that stays in place, or do I have to swap a tray? That single detail predicts how much of the dual-fuel promise you actually get.
Buyers who want the flat-top side of this category should also read our guide to the best flat top grills, since a griddle pan is the piece that turns a combo unit into a breakfast appliance. If your patio or rental rules forbid open flame indoors, our indoor smokeless electric grill roundup covers the alternative entirely.
Our Top 3 Best Hybrid Grills for Gas and Charcoal (October 2026)
Char-Griller E5030
- 870 sq. in. total cooking area
- 24000 BTU across two burners
- Two independent chambers with dual gauges
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon
- 1031 sq. in. total cooking area
- 36000 BTU three-burner gas side
- Offset smoker with adjustable dampers
GRILL DEPOTS 4-in-1
- Four cooking modes in one frame
- 49000 BTU total output
- 66 pounds and portable
The Char-Griller wins on the combination of owner rating and the size of its review base, which is far larger than anything else here, and it is the only grill on this list that owners describe as outclassing cheaper combos on sturdiness rather than the other way around. The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon is the one to buy if low and slow is the main event. The GRILL DEPOTS is the cheapest way into the category and weighs 66 pounds, which matters if you are not moving it alone.
Comparing All 10 Hybrid Grills Side by Side
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller Dual-Function E5030 |
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 Grills House ZH3005Y Combo |
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 Captiva Designs Gas and Charcoal Combo |
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 Sophia and William Dual Fuel Combo |
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 Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Combo |
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| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo |
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 MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Combo |
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| GRILL DEPOTS Griddle Combo |
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 LMNOCHM 3-in-1 Combo |
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 GREEN PARTY 3-Burner Combo |
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Two numbers explain most of the spread in this category. Primary cooking area is the grate surface you actually cook on, and warming rack space is not counted in it, so a grill advertising a large total figure may give you less usable grate than one advertising a smaller total. Burner output in BTU tells you how fast the gas side recovers when you drop a cold tray on it.
1. Char-Griller Dual-Function E5030 – The Build Quality Standard in This Category
- ✓ Heavy-gauge steel that owners describe as solid
- ✓ Two independently controlled chambers
- ✓ 870 sq. in. combined cooking area
- ✓ Side shelf with utensil hooks
- ✓ Customer service replaces parts quickly
- ✕ Heavy at 116 pounds and physically demanding to assemble
- ✕ Assembly takes longer than the stated 45 minutes
- ✕ Charcoal side runs hot and is hard to hold below 400 degrees
870 sq. in. total cooking area
24,000 BTU across two burners
Porcelain-coated cast iron grates
116 pounds
This is the grill we kept coming back to while assembling this list. The E5030 puts a 2-burner, 24000 BTU gas section next to a full charcoal chamber under separate lids, and both sides have their own lid-mounted temperature gauge, which means you can read both temperatures without walking back and forth between two units.
Owners consistently describe the sheet metal as heavy gauge rather than thin, and a recurring theme in reviews is that people expected this to feel like the cheap end of the category and were surprised. At 405 ratings it also carries by far the largest owner base on this list, which matters because it means the long-term feedback is real rather than speculative.
Why the Dual Chamber Layout Wins on Weeknight Meat
Two stainless steel main burners sit on the gas side for separate temperature zones, so you can run a screaming hot zone for searing and a moderate zone for vegetables without opening the lid and losing heat. Reviewers call out the ability to sear and slow-roast at the same time as the defining advantage of the layout.
At 870 sq. in. of combined cooking space, this is also the largest total in the roundup apart from the two offset-style units. That matters for a group cook where half the food is charcoal and half is gas, because you are not splitting one small grate between two fuels.
Charcoal System and Heat Behavior
The charcoal chamber uses an adjustable pan and an EasyDump ash pan, so ash removal is a pull rather than a shovel-and-scrape job. The honest drawback is temperature behavior: owners report the charcoal side runs hot and is difficult to hold below 400 degrees without active vent management, and the gas side is coarse at low settings rather than precise.
That is a real limitation for low and slow cooking, and it is why serious smokers should look at the offset-style pick instead. For weeknight grilling plus weekend ribs, it is a trade most owners accept without complaint.
Portability, Assembly and What to Watch For
At 116 pounds this is a two-person move, and assembly takes longer than the advertised window. Some buyers also report arriving without small hardware such as lock washers, so check the bag of parts against the manual before you start turning bolts.
A few reviewers report melted plastic components on the gas side when burners are left unattended at high output. Treat that as a reason to use the lid rather than as a defect, and note the porcelain-coated cast iron grates do most of the work in giving you clean sear marks and easy cleanup.
2. Grills House ZH3005Y Combo – Most Total Cooking Area With a Real Offset Smoker
- ✓ Largest total cooking area on this list
- ✓ Attached offset smoker doubles as a third charcoal chamber
- ✓ Piezo ignition needs no battery
- ✓ 3-level adjustable charcoal pan
- ✓ Side burner for sauces and sides
- ✕ Lowest average rating among these picks at 4.1
- ✕ Footprint is wide at nearly 68 inches across
- ✕ One-year parts warranty
1020 sq. in. total cooking area
34,000 BTU including side burner
Offset smoker
87 pounds
The headline number here is 1020 sq. in. of total cooking area, and a meaningful part of that comes from an attached offset smoker that works as a traditional smoker or as a third charcoal chamber. Few grills at this tier give you a genuine offset cavity alongside a gas side.
Split out, that total breaks down into 666 sq. in. of primary grate, 157 sq. in. of warming rack and 197 sq. in. of offset smoker space. If you are feeding a large group or cooking for a holiday, that capacity is the reason to look here first.
Burner Configuration and Charcoal Height Control
Two 12000 BTU stainless steel main burners plus a 10000 BTU side burner put 34,000 BTU on the frame, which is a serious sear number for a combo. The charcoal pan adjusts across three levels, and reviewers single out that adjustment as giving better heat control than a fixed tray design.
Charcoal capacity is listed at 3.3 lb. in the main chamber and 1.5 lb. in the offset smoker. That is a modest main chamber by dedicated-charcoal standards, so plan two loads for long cooks rather than assuming all-day capacity.
Why the Review Average Is the Lowest Here
At 4.1 stars with a sizable 1-star share, this grill collects more complaints about finish and assembly quality than it does about cooking performance. That is the pattern to expect in this price band, where powder coat and hardware consistency vary between production runs.
There are no in-line temperature probes or automatic controllers, so cooking depends on manual monitoring with the two gauges. For an owner who is already comfortable with a two-dial grill, that is fine. For a first-time cook, it is one more thing to learn.
Footprint and Maneuverability
At 87 pounds this is lighter than most cabinet-style combos, but it is also nearly 68 inches wide, which is the widest footprint in this roundup. Measure your patio and your gate path before committing, because the width is what decides this purchase rather than the weight.
Two side burners worth of capability, an offset smoker and a main charcoal chamber from one frame is genuinely rare at this tier. The wide stance is the price of that versatility.
3. Captiva Designs Gas and Charcoal Combo – The Cleanest Grease and Ash Management
- ✓ Fast even heating across both zones
- ✓ Porcelain-enameled grates wipe clean easily
- ✓ Two independently controlled zones
- ✓ 61-inch counter with side burner for prep
- ✓ Locking casters and cabinet storage
- ✕ Build quality described as light for the price
- ✕ Bolts and hardware can arrive misaligned or dented
- ✕ Side burner and side table can sit wobbly
690 sq. in. total cooking area
Three burners plus a side burner
Slide-out grease and ash trays
23 by 61 by 46 inches
Dual ash handling is the hidden cost of a combo grill, and this is the pick where that cost is lowest. The gas side drains through a full-size slide-out grease tray tilted into a hanging grease box, and the charcoal side has its own slide-out ash tray. Nothing needs a shop vac and no ash has to be shoveled through a small opening.
Coverage of 690 sq. in. splits into 520 sq. in. of primary grate and a 170 sq. in. warming rack, served by three stainless steel burners plus a side burner with seven power levels. Owners like that both fuel zones run independently, so a weeknight cook does not have to commit the whole grate to one fuel.
Grates, Zones and the 61-Inch Counter
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are described as non-stick, rust and crack resistant, and reviewers like that they produce clean grill marks while wiping down easily. Three burners spread heat evenly across the gas zone, and an enameled charcoal tray handles the other side.
The 61-inch cooking counter with a side shelf is longer than the cooking surface itself, which is a genuine advantage during a longer prep. It is also the part most likely to feel wobbly if the frame is not tightened properly, so check the side burner and side table seats after assembly.
Build Quality Is the Weak Point
Owners describe the build as light or flimsy for the money, and a 15% share of 1-star reviews points at recurring assembly and quality control issues rather than cooking failures. Dented or misaligned bolts on arrival are the most commonly reported arrival complaint, along with an instruction manual that does not match the real build sequence.
The manual recommends two people, and that is worth heeding. If you are comfortable with a full afternoon of assembly, the cooking results and the cleanup design make this an easy grill to live with once it is built.
Who This Grill Suits
This suits an owner who cooks on both fuels weekly and refuses to empty ash by hand. The two independent zones plus slide-out trays mean a Tuesday cook and a Saturday cook produce similar cleanup, which is where most combo complaints come from.
It is a weaker choice for someone who cares most about searing. Three burners across a 520 sq. in. grate is a workable arrangement, but the gas side here does not carry the output of the higher-output picks on this list.
4. Sophia and William Dual Fuel Combo – Crank-Handle Charcoal Control on a Full Frame
- ✓ Both fuel zones and the side burner run at once
- ✓ Crank-handle charcoal tray gives real heat control
- ✓ Slide-out ash and grease trays
- ✓ Powder coating holds up well for most owners
- ✓ Heavy-duty casters make it easy to move
- ✕ Thin sheet metal that one owner reports rusting through in two years
- ✕ Propane side is slow to preheat and barely reaches 500 degrees
- ✕ Perforated charcoal tray lets ash fall back through
690 sq. in. total cooking area
28,650 BTU plus 8,530 BTU side burner
Crank-handle charcoal tray
105 pounds
The distinguishing feature is the crank handle on the charcoal tray. Raising and lowering the coal bed from outside the firebox, without reaching into heat, is a real ergonomic improvement over fixed or slotted trays, and owners specifically call out how much it helps control the charcoal side.
Gas output is 28,650 BTU across three stainless steel burners, plus an 8,530 BTU side burner. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates carry porcelain-enamel flame tamers on the gas zone, and a push-out ash tray plus a slide-out grease tray with a collection cup handle both fuel systems.
Heat Output Versus Preheat Time
The raw BTU number is respectable, but reviewers raise a fair criticism: the propane side preheats slowly and struggles to reach 500 degrees, which limits searing. If your cooking is mostly burgers and vegetables at moderate heat, that is a non-issue. If you buy steaks, you will feel it.
Weight is listed inconsistently across sources, with a product detail entry of 105 pounds and a catalog field of 47 pounds. Assume the heavier figure for moving purposes and plan on two people.
The Ash Collection Problem Worth Knowing
The perforated charcoal tray defeats its own ash system, with owners reporting roughly half the ash dropping back through the perforations onto the tray. That means the push-out tray catches some of it, but you will still be shaking out residue on a regular basis.
One owner also reports the front slide vent on the charcoal side doing little, and grease occasionally running down the side of the body rather than funneling into the tray. Treat the burn area as hot enough for contact burns regardless of where the grease ends up.
Durability Over Time
Two camps dominate owner feedback. Occasional cooks are happy with even cooking and easy cleanup. Serious grillers report the same core problems: thin metal, a gas side that will not get hot enough, and a cooking surface that feels smaller in practice than the stated square footage.
Assembly is universally described as slow. Budget a full afternoon, and if you store this grill outdoors, cover it. The steel is not thick enough to shrug off standing moisture.
5. Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Combo – Balanced Side-by-Side Layout With Two Shelves
- ✓ Side-by-side layout gives equal access to both chambers
- ✓ 759 sq. in. total suits medium-large groups
- ✓ Two side shelves with hooks each
- ✓ Locking casters and larger wheels for repositioning
- ✓ Separate grease and ash systems
- ✕ Listed dimensions show identical depth and width
- ✕ Over 100 pounds to move
- ✕ 1-year manufacturer warranty
759 sq. in. total cooking area
20,000 BTU gas output
Side-by-side dual chambers
103.6 pounds
The side-by-side layout is the point of this grill. Both fireboxes sit at the same height with equal access, so the person at the head of the patio is not reaching over one chamber to work the other. That is a difference you feel every time two people cook together.
Total cooking area is 759 sq. in., made up of 592 sq. in. of grate plus a 167 sq. in. warming rack, and the grill is rated for cooking up to 30 burgers at once. Gas output totals 20,000 BTU across a 2-burner gas section.
Shelves, Wheels and Practical Layout
Two side shelves with three tool hooks on each side give more prep surface than most combos at this tier, which matters when both fuel zones are active. Two 6-inch wheels plus two 3-inch lockable casters mean it rolls and then stays put, a combination that is rarer than it should be.
An enclosed cabinet underneath stores the propane tank and tools out of sight. The stainless steel lid, control panel and warming rack paired with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates is a sensible material mix for outdoor duty.
Check the Dimensions Before You Order
The listed dimensions show depth and width as the same 64.17 inch figure, which is almost certainly a listing error rather than a square grill. Confirm the real footprint with the manufacturer before you commit, because the number matters for patio planning.
A 14% share of 1-star reviews points to powder-coat finish wear and transit damage rather than cooking results. At 103.6 pounds it is a two-person lift, and the 1-year warranty is short by kettle standards, so parts availability matters more here than warranty length.
Airflow Control and Everyday Cooking
An adjustable air vent and a built-in lid thermometer give you baseline control on the charcoal side without opening the hood. That is enough for ribs and burgers, and thin enough that a dedicated smoker would do more.
Owners like the fact that the two grease and ash systems make cleanup on each side quick. For most households, that separation is the feature that decides whether a combo grill stays appealing after month three.
6. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo – The One Built for Real Offset Smoking
- ✓ True offset smoker alongside a three-burner gas side
- ✓ Smoke quality praised for ribs and brisket
- ✓ Same footprint as a standard propane grill
- ✓ Heavy-gauge steel with high-temp finish
- ✓ Under-grill storage cabinet
- ✕ Finish durability issues reported on the smoker box
- ✕ Smoker shelves rust when left uncovered
- ✕ Door seals and latches sold separately
- ✕ Bulky freight unit needing two people
1031 sq. in. total cooking area
36,000 BTU three-burner gas side
750 sq. in. primary charcoal area
Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers
This is the only grill on the list that functions as a genuine offset smoker rather than a charcoal tray under a hood. The 750 sq. in. primary charcoal area is sized for two pork shoulders or 12 burgers, and there is a separate 281 sq. in. firebox grate that fits roughly 15 wings or 6 burgers.
Total cooking area reaches 1031 sq. in. next to a 36,000 BTU three-burner propane side that heats quickly and holds even temperatures. If you already own a smoker and would replace it, that is the comparison to run. If you are starting from nothing, it collapses two appliances into one.
Damper Control and Low-and-Slow Stability
Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers are what separate this from a charcoal tray. Moving the intake and the chimney independently lets you hold temperature without opening the lid, which is exactly how you keep smoke output steady through a long cook.
A removable firebox ash pan handles the charcoal side, and dual lid-mounted gauges let you read both chambers at once. Owners credit the smoke quality on ribs and brisket as the most consistent praise in the reviews for this grill.
Finish Wear Is the Real Complaint
One reviewer reports the high-temperature paint blistering and peeling off the smoker box within a month, with customer service declining to replace it. Others report rust on the smoking area shelves when the grill sits uncovered for long periods. This is a grill that expects a cover.
Smoker door seals and latches are sold separately rather than included, which is worth budgeting for. Plan on two people for assembly and for moving it, since it arrives as a bulky freight unit.
Who Should Buy This One
Buy this grill if brisket, ribs and low-and-slow cooking are the reason you own a grill. The offset geometry, the large charcoal chamber and the damper control are not marketing language here, they are the design.
Skip it if your cooking is weeknight burgers and steaks only. You would be paying for smoke capability you never touch, and the charcoal side is large enough that a smaller dedicated setup would serve you better.
7. MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Combo – Best Monitoring and the Strongest Small-Combo Rating
- ✓ Highest rating among cabinet-style dual-fuel combos
- ✓ Sturdy cast iron and stainless steel materials
- ✓ Quick even heating across the surface
- ✓ Pull-out grease tray and ash drawer
- ✓ Both zones plus side burner usable together
- ✕ Assembly needs at least two people
- ✕ Unusually heavy at 115 pounds for 690 sq. in.
- ✕ Small review base at 73 ratings
690 sq. in. total cooking area
37,000 BTU across three burners
Thermometers in both hoods
115 pounds
At 4.4 stars this carries the highest average rating among the cabinet-style dual-fuel combos here, though the sample is small at 73 reviews. Owners describe sturdy materials they expect to last years, which is the single most common thing grillers in this category say they wish they had checked before buying a cheaper frame.
Both cooking areas have their own double-layer hood with a built-in stainless steel thermometer, so you can monitor each fuel chamber without lifting anything. That is the feature that separates it from the rest of the 690 sq. in. group.
Burner Output and Grate Construction
Three stainless steel burners put out 37,000 BTU, and stainless steel flame tamers spread that heat evenly across the gas zone. That is more output than most of the combos here and enough headroom to recover when a cold tray goes down.
Thickened porcelain-enameled cast iron grates wipe clean with little residue, and the adjustable enameled charcoal tray on the other side handles the coals. Owners report both zones plus the right-side burner are genuinely usable at the same time.
Cleanup and Mobility
A full-size slide-out grease tray for the gas side and a slide-out ash drawer for the charcoal side keep the two cleanup jobs separate and simple. Two swivel casters plus two metal wheels make repositioning manageable, though 115 pounds is still a two-person move.
There are no temperature probes, so monitoring is dial-based. That is a limitation for long cooks where you would want a probe, and it is why we rate this one for monitoring convenience rather than precision control.
Reading the Review Signal Honestly
The most emphatic negative reviews here target the seller’s returns process rather than the grill’s performance, which is a useful distinction when weighing a small sample. Customer service did resolve a damaged-part issue quickly for at least one owner.
Assembly complexity is the recurring friction. If you are not comfortable with a long build and a second pair of hands, this is the second pick to cross off your list after the lighter portable units.
8. GRILL DEPOTS 4-in-1 Griddle Combo – The Cheapest Way Into Dual-Fuel Cooking
- ✓ Four cooking modes in one frame
- ✓ 49000 BTU from four burners plus side burner
- ✓ Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- ✓ All parts labeled for easier assembly
- ✓ Light at 66 pounds with wheels and a handle
- ✕ Thinnest review base at 37 ratings
- ✕ Arrived with dents for multiple buyers
- ✕ Sharp metal edges exposed during assembly
- ✕ Smallest cooking capacity here at 447 sq. in.
447 sq. in. total cooking capacity
49,000 BTU total output
Grill, griddle and dual charcoal pans
66 pounds
This is the entry point. Four 10000 BTU main burners plus a 9000 BTU side burner give 49,000 BTU total, and the layout packs cast iron grates, a stainless steel griddle, dual charcoal pans and a side burner into 447 sq. in. of total capacity at 66 pounds.
That weight is the reason it lands on this list at all. Most dual-fuel grills in this roundup weigh between 87 and 116 pounds, so this is the one you can actually move across a patio alone or take to a campsite. If you are furnishing a rental or a small balcony, the portability decides it.
Four Cooking Modes in One Frame
The griddle plate is what earns the 4-in-1 label. It turns the unit into a flat-top for smash burgers and weekend breakfast, and buyers interested in that side of cooking can compare it against our flat top grill picks before deciding.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates handle the sear side, and a double-layer stainless steel lid resists warping and locks in heat. Removable grates and a slide-out grease tray make the whole surface cleanable without taking the grill apart.
Where the Budget Shows
Transit damage is the recurring complaint, with several buyers reporting dented units on arrival, which points at packaging rather than the design. Assembly takes a couple of hours and exposes sharp metal edges that the instructions do not warn about.
One owner reports the listed propane tank holder is absent on the unit received, so check that against the box contents. At 447 sq. in. with a depth of about 15 inches, the cooking surface is the smallest here and cooking for a large group means multiple rounds.
Best Uses for a Lightweight Combo
Four to six people, weeknight cooking with the occasional weekend smoke, and a patio where a 115-pound grill is simply not going to fit or move. That is the honest use case, and at this weight most people should start here before stepping up.
A built-in thermometer and side tables with tool hooks and a bottle opener round out a genuinely useful package. Treat the 37-review base as thin, and read the arrival-inspection checklist carefully before you accept delivery.
9. LMNOCHM 3-in-1 Combo – Interchangeable Trays With a Griddle Pan
- ✓ Interchangeable grates charcoal trays and griddle pan
- ✓ 49000 BTU from four burners plus side burner
- ✓ Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- ✓ Double-wall insulated lid with thermometer
- ✓ Sloped grease tray with removable cup
- ✕ Smallest review base at 31 ratings
- ✕ 455 sq. in. is the second smallest surface here
- ✕ Swapping between fuels adds steps
- ✕ No temperature probes
455 sq. in. cooking surface
49,000 BTU total output
Interchangeable grates, charcoal trays and griddle pan
70 pounds
This is the convertible architecture in its clearest form. Instead of two permanent fireboxes, you swap between gas grates, two enameled charcoal trays and a stainless steel griddle pan in a single 455 sq. in. body. Four burners deliver 40,000 BTU, with a 9000 BTU side burner on top for 49,000 BTU total.
The tradeoff is real and worth stating plainly. Unlike a side-by-side dual firebox, you cannot run gas and charcoal at the same time, and each swap is a few extra steps. What you gain back is footprint and weight: 70 pounds with two 6-inch wheels.
Insulation and Grate Quality for the Money
A double-wall insulated stainless steel lid with a built-in thermometer is more thermal mass than most grills at this tier carry, and reviewers like being able to check temperature without lifting the lid. Piezo ignition is press-and-twist with no battery to maintain.
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates rated for rust, crack and peel resistance are a genuine step up from the basic wire grids found on cheaper grills. Burners adjust independently, so gas-only cooking still gives you usable zone control.
Grease Management Cuts Down Smoke
The sloped grease tray drains into a removable collection cup positioned away from high heat, which reduces smoke and cooking odor. In practice that means a backyard where you can host rather than one that fills with haze during a long cook.
There is no dedicated temperature control beyond the single lid thermometer and no probes, so long cooks need manual checking. For a two-burner sear plus griddle workflow, that is workable.
Judging a Pick on 31 Reviews
Thirty-one ratings is a thin base, and long-term feedback simply does not exist yet for a grill this new to the roundup. What the reviews do show is positive sentiment anchored in the spec sheet: output, grates, insulation and the grease cup.
Two 6-inch wheels make it easier to move across uneven ground than the cabinet-style combos. If you want griddle capability more than simultaneous dual-fuel cooking, this is a defensible pick and the cheapest way to get four burners plus a griddle in one frame.
10. GREEN PARTY 3-Burner Combo – Best Airflow Controls With Crank-Height Charcoal
- ✓ 37000 BTU across three burners plus side burner
- ✓ Crank-handle charcoal pan for real control
- ✓ Lid dampers and front air vent cut heat loss
- ✓ Separate grease and ash collection systems
- ✓ Even heat distribution reported
- ✕ Gas side weak at full setting with a cool front zone
- ✕ Center hole in the grill plates drops small food
- ✕ Top plate warps with little heat exposure
- ✕ 1-year warranty with a 15 percent 1-star share
685 sq. in. total cooking area
37,000 BTU including side burner
Crank-handle adjustable charcoal pan
Lid dampers and front air vent
The charcoal half of this grill is the strong part. A crank-handle adjustable charcoal pan gives genuine control over coal height, and lid-mounted dampers plus a front air vent let you move air without opening the hood, which is how you hold a steady smoke ring through a long cook.
Total output is 37,000 BTU across three main burners plus one side burner, and the 685 sq. in. total cooking area sits on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. A grease management system funnels grease into a removable cup, with a separate ash collection tray behind it.
Why Airflow Design Matters More Than BTU
Vent placement decides how cleanly you can manage heat. Dampers in the lid plus a dedicated front air vent mean you can raise or cut oxygen supply without losing the chamber temperature, which is the difference between adjusting and guessing.
A built-in thermometer, locking casters and a tool holder round out a practical package. The listed dimensions of 23 by 46 by 61 inches describe the narrowest frame on this list, which is a genuine advantage on a tight patio.
The Gas Side Is the Weak Link
Reviewers are blunt here: set to high, the gas side reaches only a medium effective temperature and the front of the grate barely gets hot. If you are buying this grill for the charcoal side and use gas for sides and quick cooking, that is tolerable. If searing is the priority, look elsewhere.
A hole in the middle of the grill plates swallows small food, including full-size hot dogs and mushrooms, and the top plate warps with very little heat exposure. Parts exposed to heat are also prone to rust and need monitoring. Assembly takes several hours and the instructions are not fully accurate.
Where It Fits in the Lineup
Judged on 30 ratings with a 15% share of 1-star reviews, the highest here, this is the pick we would approach most cautiously. The airflow design is genuinely good; the gas burner performance is not competitive with the other three-burner combos on this list.
It earns its place for the narrowest footprint combined with real damper control. Anyone whose priority is searing heat should skip it, and anyone who wants a charcoal-led grill with good venting should still consider the offset-style pick instead.
How to Choose a Hybrid Grill: Seven Criteria That Decide It
Price bands help you narrow the field fast. Budget units under roughly 250 dollars give you four burners and griddle capability in a light frame, with thin steel and thin review bases. Mid-tier units in the 350 to 500 dollar range add side burners, thicker grates and better ash systems. Above 600 dollars you are buying a genuine offset smoker rather than just a charcoal tray.
Decide Dual Firebox or Convertible First
This is the decision that should narrow your list before any specification. If you want to cook ribs on charcoal while searing shrimp on gas at the same time, you need two permanent fireboxes. If you never need both fuels in one session and patio space is tight, a convertible tray design is lighter, cheaper and simpler.
Owners of the side-by-side layouts in this roundup consistently report that simultaneous cooking is the feature they did not expect to use and now rely on. It is worth deciding honestly which one you are.
Primary Cooking Area Beats Total Area
Advertised totals usually include warming racks and, on some models, an offset cavity. Compare the grate figure directly: 592 sq. in. of primary grate on the Royal Gourmet is a different cooking proposition from 448 sq. in. of total capacity on the portable unit, even though the second number sounds impressive.
As a rough planning rule, allow about 72 sq. in. of primary grate per person you regularly feed, and add more if you cook for a holiday crowd.
Burner Output and Recovery
BTU is a recovery measure, not a temperature promise. A grill with 36,000 to 37,000 BTU across three burners recovers fast after a cold tray goes down, while a 20,000 BTU two-burner section is still adequate for weeknight cooking at a slower pace.
Read the reviews for recovery behavior specifically. Two of the picks here list respectable BTU figures but have owners reporting they struggle to reach searing temperature, which is a build and vent design problem rather than a number problem.
Charcoal System: Pan, Tray and Adjustment
Look for an adjustable charcoal pan and a real ash catcher. A crank handle or multi-level tray lets you change the distance between coal and grate without reaching into the firebox, which is the difference between usable low and slow cooking and guesswork.
Ask whether ash actually lands in the ash tray. One of the grills here has a perforated tray that drops ash straight back through, which turns a two-minute cleanup into a ten-minute one.
Footprint Versus Buying Two Grills
This is the core math behind the category. A compact 3-burner gas grill plus a small charcoal grill side by side occupies roughly 60 inches of width combined plus the gap between them. A single dual firebox occupies one frame, typically 61 to 69 inches wide, with a single lid to open, a single propane connection and one set of wheels to move.
For a balcony, a rented patio or a narrow run of decking, the hybrid wins on space outright. For an open patio where you already have a good gas grill, the honest question is whether the charcoal capacity you get is worth giving up a full-size kettle.
Side Burner: Useful or Gimmick?
On forums this gets called a gimmick more often than it deserves. A side burner at 8,000 to 10,000 BTU is a genuine second cooking zone for sauces, potatoes and a pan of greens while the main grate is occupied. It is a gimmick on a 447 sq. in. portable unit where space is tight.
Judged properly, a side burner is useful on any grill with 500 sq. in. or more of primary grate and worth having.
Warranty Length and Parts Availability as Durability Proxies
Most combo grills in this category, including every budget pick here, carry a 1-year parts warranty. That is a meaningful signal: the maker is telling you to expect consumable wear on burners, grates and ash pans within a few seasons.
Parts availability matters more than warranty length in practice. Choose a grill whose grates, ash pans and burner assemblies you can source years from now, because on a combo you will replace consumables on two fireboxes instead of one.
Safety, Ash Handling and the Two-Job Cleanup
A grill with both a gas line and an open charcoal firebox carries two sets of risk, and the charcoal side is the one people underestimate. Hot coals stay hot long after they look dead, and a grease fire in a gas-side firebox behaves differently from one in a charcoal pan. Keep an extinguisher within reach and a metal ash container with a lid for every patio that runs charcoal.
Never move a charcoal firebox indoors or into a garage, and never store a used propane cylinder inside. If you use lighter fluid, let it soak in completely before lighting; the charcoal-first method means you skip the fluid entirely, which is one genuine safety argument for the gas side on weeknight cooks.
The two-ash-system burden is the most underrated buying criterion in this category. A grill with a slide-out ash drawer and a sealed grease box takes a few minutes to clean. A grill with an open firebox and a small grate opening takes fifteen, and you will skip it, and then the next cook inherits it. We weighted slide-out ash and grease trays heavily for exactly this reason.
If you want a second opinion on grill selection from a different angle, our mirrorless camera guide covers the same kind of dual-purpose buying logic, and our indoor smokeless electric grill roundup is the right read if your housing rules rule out charcoal entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gas and charcoal combo grills good?
Yes, for most buyers. The gas side on a good combo matches a standalone gas grill at the same price, and the charcoal side is a genuine firebox with an adjustable pan. You accept a smaller charcoal capacity than a dedicated charcoal grill, a heavier unit to move, and two cleanup routines instead of one.
What is the best hybrid gas and charcoal BBQ?
For most cooks, the Char-Griller Dual-Function E5030. It pairs a 24,000 BTU two-burner gas section with a full charcoal chamber, delivers 870 sq. in. of combined cooking area, carries a 4.6 average across a large review base, and is the only pick here owners describe as heavier built than cheaper alternatives.
Which grill has both charcoal and gas grills?
A dual firebox hybrid grill. It has a gas burner section and a charcoal pan section side by side under separate lids, each with its own controls and gauge, so you can sear on propane and smoke on charcoal in the same session. Convertible grills swap a tray instead and only run one fuel at a time.
Can a gas grill be used with charcoal?
Only if it is built for it. A convertible grill is designed so you swap burners out for a charcoal tray: turn off the gas, let the burners cool, remove them, set the charcoal tray in their place, and light the coals with a chimney or lighter. Never put charcoal on a grill that is not rated for charcoal.
Can you use gas and charcoal at the same time on a hybrid grill?
Yes, on a side-by-side dual firebox grill. The gas burners and the charcoal pan are separate, so you can sear on one side and smoke on the other simultaneously. Convertible tray designs cannot do this, which is the main functional difference between the two architectures.
How much patio space does a dual fuel grill take up?
Most sit between 61 and 69 inches wide and about 23 inches deep, with heights near 46 inches. That is comparable to a single large gas grill, or slightly less than a gas grill and a separate charcoal grill placed side by side. Check the clearance required on the sides and rear in the manual before you place it.
Final Verdict
If you want one grill that does both jobs properly and you have the patio space for a wide frame, the Char-Griller Dual-Function E5030 is the pick. Its 870 sq. in., two independent chambers and heavy-gauge steel are what separate it from everything else in this price range, and it carries the largest owner base in the category.
If low-and-slow is your primary event, buy the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon. The 750 sq. in. primary charcoal area, 281 sq. in. firebox grate and adjustable dampers make it the only true offset smoker here, and it will replace a separate smoker rather than merely replace a kettle.
If patio space or moving weight is the binding constraint, the GRILL DEPOTS 4-in-1 gives you four cooking modes at 66 pounds. If your budget stretches further and you want griddle capability in a convertible format, the LMNOCHM does the same job with better grates and insulation.
If cleanup is the chore that stops you grilling, the Captiva Designs combo with slide-out grease and ash trays is the one that keeps both jobs under a few minutes. And if you want a proper side burner plus the largest total cooking area on this list, the Grills House ZH3005Y gets you an offset smoker and 1020 sq. in. in a single frame, provided your patio is nearly 68 inches wide.
Whichever one you choose, cover it, clean both fireboxes, and check for active safety recalls before your first cook. Our best hybrid grills for gas and charcoal picks are updated for 2026, and we re-check owner feedback and ratings every time we refresh the list.
