Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best Barbecue Grill Combo | Gas vs Charcoal: The Ultimate Combo

Check Price on Amazon

The Captiva Designs combo hits the sweet spot between price, performance, and build quality. Its 520 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast iron primary cooking grates retain heat for even searing while resisting rust far better than painted steel alternatives. The three stainless steel burners deliver enough BTU to reach searing temperatures quickly, and the independent gas and charcoal controls let you run both sides simultaneously without cross-contamination of fuel types.

Assembly takes about 90 minutes with two people, and the slide-out grease tray and ash box make post-cook cleanup significantly easier than models where grease collects in hard-to-reach corners. The side burner adds a useful 8,530 BTU for sides or sauces, and the locking casters keep the 105-pound frame stable on uneven patio stones.

Customer feedback consistently highlights the even heat distribution on the gas side and the charcoal pan’s height adjustability, which allows for real temperature control when smoking. The primary drawback is that the storage cabinet under the grill isn’t fully enclosed, so wind can blow ash around if you don’t remove the tray immediately after each use.

Check Price on Amazon

With three main burners producing 37,000 BTU total, the GREEN PARTY combo offers the highest gas-side output in this mid-range group. That extra thermal power translates to faster preheating and better recovery when you open the lid to flip a rack of ribs. The charcoal side features a crank-adjustable pan that lets you dial in the distance between coals and food without burning your knuckles.

The lid-mounted dampers and invisible front air vent work together to maintain airflow without opening the lid, which minimizes heat loss during long smokes. The 685 square inch cooking area is split between porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the primary section and warming racks above, giving you enough space for about 24 burgers simultaneously.

The grease management system funnels drippings into a removable cup, and the ash collection tray slides out for quick disposal. A handful of user reports mention uneven heat distribution on the gas side when using only one burner, and the metal grill plates can warp if subjected to a direct flame without food for extended periods. The included customer service has a strong reputation for sending replacement parts without hassle.

Check Price on Amazon

The Sophia & William combo differentiates itself with a focus on heat retention and even distribution. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the 520-square-inch primary cooking area pair with porcelain-enameled flame tamers to minimize hot spots — a common complaint on cheaper dual-fuel models. The gas side’s three stainless steel burners deliver 28,650 BTU, and the 8,530 BTU side burner handles side dishes without stealing main cooking real estate.

The charcoal side uses an adjustable tray with a crank handle, allowing you to move between searing and smoking temperatures without lifting the grate. Both the grease tray and the ash tray are full-size slide-out units, making post-cook cleanup faster than models with tiny collection cups that overflow during long smokes. The 105-pound weight and locking casters keep the grill planted on uneven ground.

Some buyers have reported that the burners and splash guards show surface rust if left uncovered in wet climates, and the sheet metal on the side shelves feels thinner than the main body. The cooking height from grate to closed lid is 10 inches, which is adequate for whole chickens but tight for taller cuts like beer-can chicken. Despite these caveats, the heat consistency and build quality at this price point are impressive for a mid-range dual fuel grill.

Check Price on Amazon

The Char-Griller E5030 is a well-established model that prioritizes straightforward operation over flashy extras. Its 870 square inches of total cooking space — including a 157-square-inch warming rack — give you room for large batches, and the electronic push-button ignition eliminates the need for matches or batteries. The two stainless steel main burners produce 24,000 BTU combined, which is adequate for medium-heat grilling but may struggle to reach screaming sear temperatures on cold, windy days.

The EasyDump ash pan is a genuinely useful feature that lets you empty charcoal ashes mid-cook without pulling the entire grate assembly apart. The dual temperature gauges mounted in the lid allow you to monitor both the gas and charcoal sides independently. The charcoal side includes an adjustable pan for basic heat control, though it lacks the fine-tuning crank found on more expensive models.

Customer feedback notes that the assembly instructions are confusing — a common theme across this category — but online assembly videos solve most of the challenges. The heavy-gauge steel body and matte powder coat finish feel substantially sturdier than budget options from lesser-known brands. The primary limitation is that the charcoal side tends to run hot even with the vents closed, making true low-and-slow smoking difficult without constant attention to air dampers.

Check Price on Amazon

The Grills House ZH3005 is a classic entry-level dual fuel that delivers impressive value for its price point. It splits 823 total square inches into a 333-square-inch gas section and a 333-square-inch charcoal section plus a 157-square-inch warming rack. The two stainless steel main burners each output 12,000 BTU, and the side burner adds another 10,000 BTU for a combined 34,000 BTU — competitive output for a two-burner system.

The charcoal side includes a height-adjustable pan, a smoke stack, and a side air vent that give you genuine temperature control capability despite the budget price tag. Dual lid-mounted thermometers let you monitor each side independently. The piezo ignition system sparks without batteries, which is one less thing to replace over the grill’s lifetime.

Assembly takes about two hours with the help of an online video, as the included paper instructions are challenging to follow. Several buyers noted minor cosmetic dents from shipping, and the cooking area, while generous on paper, feels tight when cooking for more than six people simultaneously. The 78-pound weight makes it easy to move around a patio, but the lighter gauge steel means it won’t hold up to harsh winters as well as heavier models.

Check Price on Amazon

The ZH3005Y builds on the standard ZH3005 by adding a 197-square-inch offset smoker box, bringing the total cooking area to 1,020 square inches. This attachment functions as either a traditional smoker for low-and-slow briskets or as an extra charcoal grill for high-heat cooking. A side door on the smoker box allows you to add charcoal chunks or wood chips and remove ashes without disturbing the main cooking chamber.

The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan on the main charcoal side gives you three distinct heat zones — high for searing, medium for direct grilling, and low for smoking. The offset smoker itself has a 1.5-pound charcoal capacity, which is modest but sufficient for a few hours of smoking before needing a refill. The gas side retains the same 24,000 BTU from two stainless steel burners plus the 10,000 BTU side burner.

Like its sibling, the assembly process is arduous without video guidance, and cosmetic shipping damage is a recurring theme in customer reviews. The overall 87-pound weight is manageable, but the extended 67.72-inch width means you’ll need ample patio space. The offset smoker adds real smoke flavor capability that the standard two-burner model lacks, making this the choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize smoking over pure grilling.

Check Price on Amazon

The Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus redefines what a barbecue grill combo can be by including a pre-seasoned flat-top griddle that replaces the gas side grates. This turns the grill into a three-in-one station: gas grilling, charcoal grilling, and griddle cooking for breakfast, fajitas, and smash burgers. The 1,260 total square inches of cooking space is the largest in this lineup, and the three stainless steel burners on the gas side deliver 30,000 BTU.

The charcoal side uses an adjustable tray and dual dampers for temperature and smoke control. The firebox is large enough to hold standard charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, and the dampers give you meaningful control over oxygen flow for smoking. The automatic ignition fires the gas side with a button push, and the grate hook and tool holder keep your workspace organized.

Early customer feedback praises the griddle’s performance for breakfast cooking but notes that the included flat-top rusted quickly when exposed to rain or moisture without immediate drying. The assembly process is labor-intensive — a reviewer recommended using an impact driver — and the thin sheet metal on the grill body has disappointed some buyers who expected thicker-gauge steel at this price point. The griddle insert is a genuine differentiator, but the build quality shows some cost-cutting compromises.

Check Price on Amazon

Oklahoma Joe’s brings pitmaster-level design to the dual-fuel market with the Canyon Combo. It pairs a dedicated offset smoker firebox (281 square inches of grate space) on the charcoal side with a 36,000 BTU three-burner propane grill on the gas side. The total 1,031 square inches of cooking area includes 750 square inches of primary space — enough to smoke two pork shoulders and grill 12 burgers simultaneously.

The offset smoker features adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers that give you real control over temperature and smoke flow, which is essential for low-and-slow cooking. The firebox door provides easy access to add charcoal or wood chunks without opening the main smoking chamber. The gas side uses porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist rust and retain heat for even cooking. Dual lid-mounted temperature gauges let you monitor both chambers independently.

The heavy-gauge steel construction with a high-temp finish is built to last, though the grill ships with only two locking casters — some buyers recommend upgrading to four for easier mobility on uneven ground. The fire management requires more attention than a pellet smoker; users report needing to tend the fire about every 25 minutes to maintain stable temperatures. When running both gas and charcoal sides simultaneously, heat spillover can push the gas side above 300°F even with only one burner lit.

Check Price on Amazon

The Weber Genesis E-325 is a premium gas-only grill that delivers category-leading heat consistency and build quality. Its three PureBlu burners feature a unique tapered design that creates a consistent flame across the entire grilling surface, with raised flame openings that prevent food debris from clogging the burner ports. The extra-large sear zone concentrates intense heat on a specific area, allowing you to get restaurant-quality crust on steaks without overheating the entire cooking surface.

The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are thicker than those found on mid-range grills, providing superior heat retention and searing power. The FLAVORIZER bars sit above the burners and catch drippings, vaporizing them for smoky flavor while funneling grease away from the burners to prevent flare-ups. The grease management system uses a pull-out tray located under the cookbox — accessible without removing grates or flavorizer bars — for mess-free disposal.

The 641 square inch cooking area is smaller than many combo grills, but the efficient layout and even heat distribution mean you can cook more food per square inch without rotating pans. The Weber Crafted Outdoor Kitchen Collection (sold separately) adds optional accessories like a pizza stone, griddle, or Dutch oven. The side tables are sturdy enough to hold platters and seasonings, and the warming rack keeps food hot while the main grates are in use. The BILT app provides 3D assembly instructions, though some users note the app has occasional navigation quirks.