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You want the deep, smoky flavor of charcoal, but you also need the speed of gas for a weeknight dinner. A gas-and-charcoal combo grill is the only way to have both in one footprint — but which one actually delivers on its promise without burning your budget or your patience?
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
This breakdown of the best bbq gas and charcoal grill will show you exactly where your money gets you better heat control, more cooking space, or easier cleanup.
Quick Picks
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill — Best Overall
- Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker — Top Performer
- Brand-Man Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, Grill and Griddle Combo — Most Versatile
- MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner — Best for Parties
- GREEN PARTY 3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner — Smartest Controls
- Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner — Balanced Combo
- GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, Griddle Grill with Side Burner — Best with Griddle
- Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo with Dual Lids — Compact Starter
How To Choose The Best BBQ Gas And Charcoal Grill
A combo grill sounds simple — one side gas, one side charcoal — but the real differences are in how they share space, handle heat, and clean up. Here is what to look for before you click “buy”.
Cooking Area vs. Actual Usable Space
Manufacturers often quote the total square inches, including a warming rack or a small firebox grate. That number can be misleading. Look at the primary cooking area on each fuel side separately. Some grills, like the Brand-Man, have a 678 sq in top-line number but buyers report the warming rack is too shallow for anything tall. Always check if the main grates on both the gas and charcoal sides are large enough for your typical cook — four steaks or two pork shoulders.
BTU Output and Burner Configuration
BTU (British Thermal Units) measures heat output. More is not always better — a 24,000 BTU grill can sear beautifully, while a 37,000 BTU unit with poor flame tamers might still have cold spots. Three burners give you better zone control than two. Also note how many burners share the gas side: three means you can run a low, medium, and high zone at the same time.
Cleanup Systems: Grease Trays and Ash Pans
Dual-fuel grills multiply mess. On the gas side you need a slide-out grease tray; on the charcoal side a removable ash pan. Some budget models skip the charcoal ash pan entirely, forcing you to scoop out ash by hand. Look for “full-sized” and “slide-out” in the description — that is the difference between a 30-second cleanup and a scraper-and-bucket job.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Total Cooking Area | Gas BTUs | Grate Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo | Smoking & grilling for crowds | 1031 sq in | 36,000 BTU | Porcelain-coated cast iron | $529.98$649.99Amazon |
| Char-Griller E5030 | Dual-function grilling value | 870 sq in | 24,000 BTU | Porcelain-coated cast iron | $364.99$399.99Amazon |
| Brand-Man Dual Fuel | Griddle + grill versatility | 678 sq in | — | Cast iron | $549.99$689.99Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 | Family parties with side burner | 690 sq in | 37,000 BTU | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | $462.99$599.99Amazon |
| GREEN PARTY 3 Burner | Adjustable charcoal heat control | 685 sq in | 37,000 BTU | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | $462.99$578.74Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS 2-in-1 | Griddle & grill on a budget | 673 sq in | 41,500 BTU | Cast iron | $359.99$419.99Amazon |
| Bestfire Dual Fuel | Compact easy-moving starter | 327 sq in | 12,000 BTU | Stainless steel | $215.99Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill
The real offset smoker that doubles as a full gas grill for true low-and-slow versatility.
This is the only pick on the list built with a dedicated offset firebox — a separate chamber where you burn charcoal and wood splits to create smoke that flows across the main cooking chamber. That design, plus a 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane side, means you can smoke a brisket for 12 hours on the charcoal side while simultaneously grilling burgers on the gas side. The total cooking area is 1031 sq in, with 750 sq in of primary space plus a 281 sq in firebox grate that fits up to 15 wings or 6 burgers. Owners mention the ability to do “quick grill on weeknights and smoke ribs on the weekend” with the same grill is what sold them.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold heat for even searing, and dual lid-mounted temperature gauges let you monitor both sides without lifting the lids. However, this is a heavy unit — at roughly 125 lbs, assembly requires two people. One reviewer notes that maintaining the charcoal side requires fire tending every 25 minutes or so, and that the gas side heats up (over 300°F on one burner) due to the shared metal frame. Unlike the Char-Griller E5030 which uses a simpler side-car charcoal area, this Oklahoma Joe’s is a true offset smoker that rewards the pitmaster who wants to manage fire.
Real-World Verdict: If you have the patience for fire management and want authentic smoked flavor plus gas convenience in one unit, this combo is tough to top. One buyer called it a “great option if you want the flexibility of both gas and charcoal cooking in one unit”.
The One Catch: The offset firebox demands attention every half hour — not a low-maintenance setup like a pure propane grill.
Ideal for: The backyard cook who wants to smoke ribs all day Saturday and still flip burgers on a Tuesday evening.
Look elsewhere if: You want a simple, no-fuss charcoal side that does not need constant firebox management.
2. Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker
The 870 sq in combo that gives you huge capacity without a huge price tag.
With 870 square inches of total cooking space — at 870 sq in versus the Bestfire’s 327 sq in — this Char-Griller offers the largest primary cooking surface among the gas-and-charcoal combos outside the offset-smoker category. The two stainless steel main burners deliver 24,000 BTU on the gas side, and one highly detailed buyer report notes the gas side hits about 300°F on one burner low and up to 500°F on high. The charcoal side runs hot, often above 400°F, so you close the air vent to bring the temperature down. Customers note it uses lump charcoal efficiently, with a 20 lb bag lasting weeks with 2-3 uses per week.
The EasyDump Ash Pan makes cleaning the charcoal side straightforward, and the dual temperature gauges let you monitor each side. However, this unit weighs around 125 lbs, so plan for a two-person assembly. One buyer who initially planned to use both fuels ended up preferring the gas side only but still called it a “great grill” — testament to the gas side’s build quality. The Char-Griller also includes a side shelf with utensil hooks and electronic ignition for push-button start. Unlike the Oklahoma Joe’s, this is not an offset smoker, but the charcoal firebox is large enough to hold wood chunks for smoking.
The Bottom Line: Reviewers point out it “outperforms previous grills in quality/sturdiness” and that neighbors are “jealous” of the professional look. The single real surprise is the charcoal side runs hot — it sips lump charcoal fast if you do not manage airflow.
Reach for this if: You want a huge cooking area for parties and the flexibility to use either fuel without learning offset-smoker fire management.
Walk away if: You need a portable grill or one that fits on a small balcony — 125 lbs and a cart frame are not moving without effort.
3. Brand-Man Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, Grill and Griddle Combo
Gas, charcoal, and a griddle all in one — the most cooking modes per square foot.
This is the only pick that pairs a gas burner with a flat griddle surface, giving you three cooking modes: gas-grilled, charcoal-grilled, and griddle-cooked (breakfast, smash burgers, pancakes). The total cooking area is 678 sq in (472 sq in primary, 206 sq in warming rack), which is larger than the Bestfire but smaller than the Char-Griller. Shoppers say the dual fuel capability offers “endless cooking possibilities” and that the build is “sturdy” with a “heavy-duty steel” frame. One reviewer called it “worth every penny” for the ability to sear and smoke.
The Brand-Man also includes a slide-out ash tray for the charcoal side and a removable grease cup for the gas side — making cleanup simpler than many rivals. The front panel doubles as a condiment station, and dual foldable shelves plus tool hooks keep your prep organized. However, one critical buyer notes that the warming rack is essentially unusable for tall items, and switching between gas and charcoal requires tools. The gas side uses a griddle plate rather than open grates, so you lose the classic grill-mark sear unless you swap components. This is a mid-range premium pick that packs more cooking modes than the MFSTUDIO or GREEN PARTY 3-burner options, but at a similar price tier.
Why it stands out
- Three cooking modes (gas, charcoal, griddle) without buying extra attachments
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the charcoal side for even heat
- Full-sized slide-out ash tray and grease cup for quick post-meal cleanup
Where it trips up
- Switching between gas and charcoal requires tools — not a quick conversion
- Warming rack is too low for anything taller than a burger bun
- Some buyers report the gas side does not get hot enough for high-heat searing
Best suited for: The adventurous cook who wants to grill, griddle, and smoke without owning three separate appliances.
Not the right fit for: Anyone who expects each cooking mode to perform as well as a dedicated single-purpose appliance — the dual-lid setup means compromises.
4. MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
Three burners and a side burner give you the most cooking zones in this tier.
The MFSTUDIO delivers 37,000 BTU across three stainless steel burners, plus a right-side burner for sauces or side dishes — the only grill in the bunch with a dedicated extra burner beyond the gas-and-charcoal main zones. Its 690 sq in total cooking area (520 sq in primary porcelain-enameled cast iron grates plus a 170 sq in stainless steel warming rack) puts it in the same size class as the GREEN PARTY and Captiva Designs grills. Owners mention the “large grilling area supports simultaneous charcoal and gas cooking” and call the build “sturdy” with “high quality” for the price.
Cleanup is handled by a full-size slide-out grease tray for the gas section and an ash drawer for the charcoal section — both removable without tools. The two double-layer hoods each have a built-in stainless steel thermometer, so you can monitor both sides without lifting the lid. One minor note from a reviewer: the burner heat is a little uneven on one side, though others say the porcelain-enameled grates distribute heat well. Unlike the Bestfire, which has a single 12,000 BTU burner, the MFSTUDIO’s 37,000 BTU output gives you real zone control for searing and low-heat cooking at the same time.
Party Advantage: The side burner lets you cook beans or melt butter while the main grills are full of meat — a feature only this grill and the GRILL DEPOTS 2-in-1 share. “Great for parties; food tastes good,” one buyer summarised.
Grab this for: Large backyard gatherings where you need to cook burgers, veggies, chicken, and sides all at once without waiting.
Skip it for: Small patios — the 61-inch width requires dedicated space, and the 23-inch depth means it sits well away from walls.
5. GREEN PARTY 3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
A crank-adjustable charcoal pan that gives you fine-grained temperature control on the coal side.
Most combo grills let you open or close air vents to control charcoal temperature. The GREEN PARTY goes a step further with a height-adjustable charcoal pan that you raise or lower via a crank — a simple mechanical trick that changes the distance between the coals and your food. This is the same useful idea found in some kamado-style grills, and it lets you fine-tune heat without fiddling with dampers. On the gas side, three independent burners (plus a side burner) deliver 37,000 BTU total, and the total cooking area is 685 sq in (porcelain-enameled cast iron grates). Reviewers rave about being able to “use the gas for quick dinner and the coal for when we’ve got a bit extra time.”
The side damper and invisible front air vent promote airflow without opening the lid, reducing heat loss. Cleanup uses a grease management system and ash collection tray, both removable. However, one tough 1-star review reports the gas side does not heat properly, with the front barely getting hot even on high. That buyer also mentions a large gap in the middle of the grill plates that swallows food. While the majority of reviews are positive and call the build “heavy duty” and “beautifully made,” the heat distribution complaint suggests batch-to-batch quality control varies. Compared to the MFSTUDIO, the GREEN PARTY offers the same BTU and similar cooking area but with the unique charcoal pan crank.
Standout feature
- Height-adjustable charcoal pan for precise heat control — no other grill in this roundup has it
- Lid-mounted dampers plus front air vent for smoke management
- Large 685 sq in of porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking surface
Possible concern
- A minority of customers note uneven heat on the gas side and a large center gap in the cooking plates
- Assembly is time-consuming (about 3 hours, per one reviewer)
Best for: Cooks who want to dial in charcoal temperature as precisely as they dial gas — the crank makes a real difference.
Not for: Anyone who needs guaranteed even heat across the whole gas side — the inconsistent reviews on that front are worth noting.
6. Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
A near-twin of the MFSTUDIO but with a storage cabinet that actually fits your propane tank and tools.
The Captiva Designs grill matches the MFSTUDIO and GREEN PARTY on specs: 690 sq in total (520 sq in primary porcelain-enameled cast iron, 170 sq in warming rack), three stainless steel burners plus a side burner, and dual lids with thermometers. Where it differentiates itself is the storage cabinet underneath. Reviewers point out it is “sturdy and spacious enough to hold gas canisters, grilling utensils, and seasonings” — a feature that matters more than you might expect when the grill sits on a patio full-time. The gas side lights on the first click every time, and the charcoal side has plenty of vents for temperature control.
That said, one scathing review points out the metal is thin enough to bend during assembly, and that the air vents on the front of the charcoal section are “just decorative” — not actually connected to the firebox. This is a real concern vs the MFSTUDIO, which has a more solid build according to multiple reviews. Another buyer notes the gas side is “very small” and you will not cook more than two steaks at once on it. Still, the majority of owners love the dual-fuel convenience. The ash tray and grease tray are both slide-out and full-sized, making cleanup easy.
Real-Use Tradeoff: You get two small grills in one — a gas side good for 2-3 burgers and a charcoal side big enough for a full rack of ribs. The trade-off is that neither side is as large as a dedicated grill.
Buy it for: The storage space and the reliable gas ignition — “lights on the first time every time,” per one happy owner.
Pass if: You need a heavy-gauge, thick-steel grill that will survive years of outdoor weather without a dedicated cover.
7. GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, Griddle Grill with Side Burner
A perforated griddle pan plus cast iron grates — two gas-side cooking surfaces in one grill.
The GRILL DEPOTS combo stands out because you get both a cast iron grill grate and a perforated griddle pan on the gas side, so you can sear steaks on the grates or cook eggs and pancakes on the flat surface without swapping plates. The total output is 41,500 BTU, which is the highest of any grill in this roundup. The total cooking area is 673 sq in, including a 510 sq in primary and a 163 sq in warming rack. A double-layer stainless steel lid helps lock in heat without warping over time, according to the manufacturer.
Shoppers say the assembly is easy and the value is tough to top for a gas-and-charcoal combo that also includes a griddle. One reviewer notes that the surface area is “limited if you prefer to use gas only or charcoal only” — meaning the 673 sq in is split between the two fuel types, so you get about 300 sq in per side. That is similar to the Bestfire’s 327 sq in total but split over two zones. The pull-out oil drip tray and non-stick griddles make cleanup straightforward. This is a good entry-level-to-mid-range option if you are less concerned about max cooking area and more about having multiple cooking surfaces at once.
The Griddle Advantage
- Both cast iron grates AND a perforated griddle pan included on the gas side
- Highest combined BTU output at 39,000 BTU — heats up fast
- Easy assembly with clear instructions, per multiple reviews
Where it shrinks
- Cooking space feels smaller when you use only gas or only charcoal — about 300 sq in per side
- Build quality is “not heavy metal,” as one buyer put it, so long-term durability is an open question
Pick this if: You want to experiment with griddle cooking (smash burgers, eggs, pancakes) without buying a separate flattop.
Pass on it if: You need a single large cooking surface — the split design is better for couples or small families.
8. Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo with Dual Lids
A small-but-smart starter grill that does not overwhelm you or your patio.
At 327 sq in of total cooking area and a single 12,000 BTU U-shaped stainless steel burner on the gas side, the Bestfire is the most compact and least powerful grill here — but that is not necessarily a bad thing. It is designed for 2-3 people who want to dip their toes into dual-fuel cooking without committing the space or budget of a full-size unit. One buyer who bought this as a compromise between a charcoal-loving husband and a gas-preferring wife says, “He loves being able to sear before grilling on charcoal,” and she likes not having the charcoal taste. That is exactly the use case this grill nails.
The Bestfire includes two side shelves with tool hooks, a condiment shelf in the cart’s middle section, a grease trap for the gas side, and an ash tray for the charcoal side — both slide-out for easy cleanup. The item dimensions are 64 x 46 x 22.7 inches and it weighs about 50 lbs, so it is genuinely movable with the heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters. However, the smaller cooking area means at 327 sq in versus the Char-Griller E5030’s 870 sq in. One long-term review warns that the propane-side cooking pan rusted badly after several months, requiring a wire brush before each use — so a cover is essential. This is a budget-friendly entry point, not a lifelong grill.
Perfect for: The couple or small family who want to experiment with gas and charcoal without paying for a full-size cart. “Perfect for the two of us,” one reviewer noted.
The compromise: The gas side at 12,000 BTU will not sear as hot as larger units, and the total cooking area is 327 sq in compared to the Char-Griller’s 870 sq in.
Get it for: A compact, affordable dual-fuel trial run that still gives you dual lids and independent cooking zones.
skip it if: You regularly cook for more than three people or want high-heat searing on the gas side.
Understanding the Specs
Total Cooking Area (sq in)
This is the number that grill makers advertise loudest, but it includes the warming rack — often a wire shelf above the main grates that is only useful for keeping buns warm. For a dual-fuel grill, you want to know the primary grate area on each side separately. The Oklahoma Joe’s quotes 1031 sq in, but 750 sq in is the real primary cooking zone, and 281 sq in of that is a separate firebox grate. Always subtract the warming rack to figure out what you can actually lay a steak on.
BTU (British Thermal Units)
BTU measures heat output per hour. More BTU does not automatically mean better cooking — a 24,000 BTU grill with good flame tamers can out-sear a 37,000 BTU grill with poor heat distribution. What matters is how that heat reaches the grates. In the Char-Griller, buyers confirmed that the gas side hits up to 500°F on high, while some 37,000 BTU grills struggle to get above medium. Look for reviews that mention “even heat” and “searing temperature,” not just the BTU number on the box.
FAQ
Can I use both gas and charcoal at the same time?
Which is bigger: the Char-Griller E5030 or the MFSTUDIO 3-in-1?
Do combo grills work well for smoking meat?
How long does a 20 lb propane tank last on these grills?
Are porcelain-enameled cast iron grates better than bare cast iron?
What is the difference between independent dual-zone and side-by-side cooking?
Can I convert the charcoal side to a gas side later?
How do I clean the charcoal side of a combo grill?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the best bbq gas and charcoal grill winner is the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo because it is the only true offset smoker on the list, giving you real low-and-slow smoking capability plus a 36,000 BTU gas side — all in one heavy-gauge steel frame. If you want the largest primary cooking area (870 sq in) without offset fire management, grab the Char-Griller E5030. And for a compact starter that fits a small patio or a beginner’s budget, the Bestfire Dual Fuel is the best entry-level choice.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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