Best Charcoal Gas Combo Grill: Best Dual Fuel Grill Review

December 22, 2022
Written by Kristy J. Norton

The overall best gas charcoal combo grill on the market is the Char-Griller 5050  for obvious reasons. You can expect a combination grill to cost thousands of dollars. This one is an under $500 grill. But these are not the main reason it's my overall best combo grill. I'll tell you more about the grill in the review later on.

In any case, a dual fuel grill, combo grill, or hybrid grill helps combine the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a charcoal grill. They're rare to find and can be quite expensive. 

Not to worry, counting on my experience with different charcoal and gas grills, I've helped you with all the research. I'll review in detail the best gas charcoal combo grills on the market. I'll also offer some buying tips so you don't start shopping for another grill in a couple of months. 

best charcoal gas combo grill

Review of the Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grills

Preview
Overall Best
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Best Combination Gas Grill and Smoker
Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP...
Best Burning Power
Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane...
Best Versatile Combo Grill
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill
Product
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP...
Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane...
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill
Total Cooking Space
1200 square inches
1060 square inches
540 square inches
860 square inches
Number of Gas Burners
3
3
3
4
Burning Capacity Per Burner
12,000 BTU
12000 BTU
13,333 BTU
10,000 BTU (12K BTU sear burner)
Dimensions
60 x 25 x 50 inches
32 x 74 x 51 inches
25 x 53 x 48 inches
82 x 23 x 54 inches
Overall Best
Preview
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Product
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Total Cooking Space
1200 square inches
Number of Gas Burners
3
Burning Capacity Per Burner
12,000 BTU
Dimensions
60 x 25 x 50 inches
Best Combination Gas Grill and Smoker
Preview
Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP...
Product
Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP...
Total Cooking Space
1060 square inches
Number of Gas Burners
3
Burning Capacity Per Burner
12000 BTU
Dimensions
32 x 74 x 51 inches
Best Burning Power
Preview
Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane...
Product
Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane...
Total Cooking Space
540 square inches
Number of Gas Burners
3
Burning Capacity Per Burner
13,333 BTU
Dimensions
25 x 53 x 48 inches
Best Versatile Combo Grill
Preview
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill
Product
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill
Total Cooking Space
860 square inches
Number of Gas Burners
4
Burning Capacity Per Burner
10,000 BTU (12K BTU sear burner)
Dimensions
82 x 23 x 54 inches

1. Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas and Charcoal Grill

Overall Best

Key Features:

  • Porcelain-coated and durable cast iron grates 
  • 1200 square inches of total cooking space
  • Dual-function propane and charcoal chambers 
  • Offset combustion chamber

Did you know that Char-Griller was the original inventor of the dual fuel grill and the 5050 Duo is the bestselling in its lineup? Now you know why the Char-Griller 5050 is my overall best charcoal gas hybrid grill. This Char-Griller's easy-to-use gas charcoal combo grill is inexpensive and conventional in construction.

When they released their patented design about gas and charcoal all-in-one elements, it really set the standards for such a high-quality versatile grill. It has some of the leading elements and most popular design features for all your grilling needs. It's not often that you find such a quality versatile grill at such an affordable price. 

With over 1200 square inches of total cooking space in a 50-burger capacity, I think it's safe to say that the Duo 5050 is ready to handle any event you throw its way.

The Char-Griller gas and charcoal product specifically has two chambers. The left side is a 3-burner grill and the right is a charcoal grill. 

 The gas portion makes it easy for those weeknight cooks who just want to get outside, grill something, and get it done quickly. It has an easy light electric ignition, making it easy to preheat and a nice quality cook. 

The charcoal side is the go-to when we want those longer weekend cooks for smoky juicy barbecue flavor. Another quality feature is the adjustable grates that come inside the barrel. The Duo 5050 comes standard with a side burner on the gas side. You can warm vegetables, beans and can even fry bacon in the comfort of your backyard. 

This hybrid grill has a high-quality steel construction. Both sides feature porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates. Each side of the gas charcoal grill combo features warming racks that make the ease of cooking and keeping food warm even better. 

The Duo 5050 gas and charcoal grill has easy cleanup. The gas portion has an easy clean grease management system. Meanwhile, the charcoal portion features an easy dump ash pan. The charcoal side has a side damper in an adjustable smokestack making it easier for temperature control and smoke ventilation. 

The condiment storage spot on this grill is one of my favorite elements of the whole grill. It makes it easy to keep your spices outdoors and keeps you nice and organized for a whole day of grilling. 

Another awesome feature of the gas charcoal grill combo is the bottom shelf on this grill. It helps with added storage. You can stack your wood, charcoal, or even a cooler for your beverage of choice. Like most Char-Griller products, it is side firebox compatible. The Duo 5050 is plenty versatile. It might as well be named the powerhouse of all hybrid grills.

What I Like

  • It produces good grilling results on both chambers
  • I find it easy to use 
  • The cooking grates ensure heat retention and transfer and good searing results 
  • It was also easy to assemble
  • Has an additional function for smoking (smoker)

What I Don't Like

  • Made from poorly chosen materials but you can't complain much judging by the price
Grilled Meat on Charcoal Grill

2. Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal LP Gas Grill and Smoker Combos

Best Combination Gas Grill and Smoker

Key Features:

  • 1060 total square inch cooking space 
  • 36,000 BTU total gas grilling capacity 
  • 12000 BTU side burner also works as a charcoal chimney starter
  • 3 burner gas grill section 

The Oklahoma Joe's charcoal LP gas grill is the real combo grill because it's a gas charcoal combo grill and smoker. The Oklahoma Joe's charcoal LP gas grill is a three-in-one smoker/grill combo that combines electric ignition and a durable offset firebox to let you cook your barbecue just the way you like it.

If you're going to have to use the charcoal side, I like to use the side burner in conjunction with Oklahoma Joe's halftime starter to get the charcoal lit. So all you have to do is load the charcoal starter with charcoal, place it on the side burner, light the gas and in ten minutes or so you're completely ready to dump it in the firebox. 

You can use the charcoal side as a smoker or as a charcoal grill. You can also get both the charcoal and gas grills running at the same time. 

You can also set up two different temperature zones on the Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal LP Gas Grill.

So if you want to do something more low and controlled (say 300 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for some chicken), you can have that on the gas section, for example.  

If you want high-heat searing on the other side for a good steak or anything else, you can do that in the gas cooking chamber. This is really difficult to do on a standard charcoal or gas grill. But with the thick walls separating the two chambers of the charcoal hybrid grill, you'll have a really high level of control. 

The firebox door of the gas and charcoal grill has an air damper which makes it easy to remove leftover ashes when cooking is complete. It allows you to clean quickly so that your time is not wasted. This will allow you to focus on the important things, like having fun with your friends and family.

You want to move the grill while the fire is burning, but you are afraid of being burned by the hot steel. The Char-Broil Oklahoma Joes provides a secure grip and heat protection.

The Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe's Gas Charcoal Grill also has a place where you can store your cooking utensils and accessories. It can also serve as an extra workspace for your kitchen. This is a great feature for families who travel frequently.

What I Like

  • The grill chambers are walled by thick steel to prevent heat transfer 
  • Features lid-mounted separate temperature gauges 
  • Storage basket: You can stack wood logs and place your propane tank on it

What I Don't Like

  • The gas cooking area is not convertible to accept natural gas
  • Not a durable coating; the painting peels off

3. Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill

Best Burning Power

Key Features:

  • 540 square inches of total cooking space 
  • 40,000-BTU total heat power 
  • 12000 BTU side burner 
  • Three stainless steel burners

The Char-Broil Gas2Coal is a hybrid grill that offers the best of both worlds in terms of heating efficiency and convenience. It also comes with that smoky aroma you can only get by cooking with charcoal.

This hybrid grill has been conceived and designed for BBQ beginners who want the authentic smoky aroma charcoal fuel offers and the convenience of cooking that only gas grills can offer.

However, I feel this is not the ideal grill to carry out long, low, and slow charcoal grilling. This is because the conformation of the device and the impossibility of controlling the air flows make it difficult to keep the temperature stable for a long time.

As for the gas side of the grill, there are three gas burners. This side has three stainless steel burners designed to reach high temperatures and deliver 13,333 BTUs per burner and 40,000 BTUs altogether. 

Each of these can deliver enough heat to perfectly sear a steak in the direct reversed style. Temperatures above 650 degrees Fahrenheit are reached without problems. However, one thing you should take into account during the cooking phase is a slight temperature difference in the various areas of the grill. You may notice a higher temperature in the back that decreases as you get to the front.

The Gas2Coal gas and charcoal grill allows you to quickly switch from gas to charcoal cooking in under 60 seconds without using any tool. You only need to remove the three cast iron cooking grids and place the charcoal pan over the burners, distribute coals evenly and ignite the gas burners to start combustion.

The primary cooking space of this grill is made of non-stick porcelain cast iron to facilitate cleaning operations and measures 25 by 17 inches. In addition, there is also an additional heating grill that considerably increases the usable space for cooking.

To complete the features of the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 330 charcoal hybrid grill, there is also a stove integrated into one of the two side shelves. So you can cook a side dish or your favorite barbecue sauce while the main dish is cooking on the grill.

In terms of design, the Gas2Coal has a modern and captivating line with simple features that adapt to any context, from the garden to the terrace. The red band with the name of the model in relief makes it unmistakable.

The structure is in sturdy tubular metal and the trolley is equipped with two wheels to facilitate movement. The assembly is quite simple as many parts are pre-assembled. So you don't need a lot of tools to set it up. However, some screws are in somewhat awkward positions and not difficult to reach with an electric screwdriver. So, you may need a little elbow grease. 

What I Like

  • Comes with an additional side burner
  • Non-stick grids in porcelain cast iron
  • Large cooking space 
  • Easy cleaning with the removable charcoal tray and grease tray

What I Don't Like

  • It is not possible to control the airflow to stabilize the temperature when using charcoal

4. Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Combo Grill

Best Versatile Combo Grill

Key Features:

  • 4-in-1 design: stove, smoker, charcoal grill, and propane gas burner
  • 12,000 BTU stainless steel tube sear burner 
  • 860 square inch cooking space
  • Offset side smoker 
  • Adjustable charcoal basket

In summary, this charcoal hybrid grill is one of the most durable, feature-rich, and budget-friendly dual grill options. The Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 is a standout among the rest due to its versatile design. It has a stove, smoker, charcoal grill, and propane gas burner. So, you can save money and space by buying just this 4-in-1 model. You don't have to buy four different grills when just this can do the same job.

The 12,000 BTU stainless steel tube sear burner of the Smoke Hollow combination grill can withstand heavy use and will last for years. The Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 propane charcoal grill combo, despite its versatility, is a great option that won't take up much storage space.

The Smoke Hollow combination grill also features separate temperature gauges to help you cook food in a controlled manner. The removable charcoal tray will allow you to adjust the grill to suit your cooking needs. The 860-square-inch cooking space will allow you to cook several types of meat and vegetables simultaneously.

On the propane burning side, it's got four burners and a piezoelectric ignition. While one is a 12000 BTU side burner, there are also three stainless steel burners with 10,000 BTU burning power each. It ignites when you turn the knob. 

On the charcoal grill is a three-position adjustable charcoal basket. The grids on both sides are cast porcelain-coated cast iron. This means your BBQ will cook faster and grease and other residues will not stick to the iron cooking grates. Cleanup will also be easy with the removable grease pans and ash pans.

In addition, there's a little matte finish on the charcoal basket again. It adjusts in multiple levels – low, medium, and high. 

The grill also comes with a smoker box as well if you want to smoke food. When you smoke on the unit, there is a draft control as well as a clean-out door to add more chunks and chips if you need them. The chimney draft control also helps to choke the heat down if you need to maintain the temperature. 

I know this is not usually available on Amazon, you can also check it out on Home Depot

What I Like

  • The ash trap is easy to remove and empty 
  • Sturdy steel barrel construction
  • I appreciate the infrared side burner 

What I Don't Like

  • It's not always available online
Burger Patty Grilled on Flames

Buying Guide for the Best Hybrid Grills

Combo grills are among the largest and most expensive on the market. There aren't that many models compared to other types of grills. 

However, when you buy a gas and charcoal combo grill, you save a lot of space because you don't need multiple types of grills on your patio. 

You have to think about it carefully. That's why in this buying guide, you'll learn more about this type of grill and how to choose one. 

What's a Dual Fuel Combination Grill? 

The name says it all. It's simply a dual-fuel grill with two chambers that run on different fuel types – charcoal and wood pellets on one side and propane and/or natural gas chamber on the second side.  

A dual-fuel grill has everything you need to make cooking fun. This option allows you to use either gas or charcoal fuel. Some even come with an infrared side burner to sear meats. 

By deciding to get a combination charcoal and gas grill, you no longer need to buy a grill for every cooking purpose. 

In most cases you will also get a porcelain warming rack, ideal for delicately cooked vegetables, indirect grilling, low and slow cooking, or the first phase of the reverse sear technique. 

This type of grill lets you expand your menu without worrying if your grill is going to mess up one of your most delicate dishes.

How to Choose the Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill? 

A good combination of a smoker and a grill can make outdoor activities memorable. But how do you find the right combo? After a quick market research, you will notice that there are many options available. I've shown you what I found to be the 4 best gas charcoal combo grills on the market. But how do you choose the right one? 

You must do your research to find the best features. So I've created a guide on things to look out for to help you make your decision. 

Charcoal Grill and Grilled Meat

1. The Burners on the Gas Section

A regular gas grill offers more convenience, fast, and even heating through efficient burners. Depending on the size of the cooking space, it's good if your gas and charcoal combo has two burners on the smaller models and at least three burners on the larger combo grills.

When buying, it is difficult to determine whether the burners are really efficient. The only way to find out is to get the opinions of other buyers. 

For this reason, I recommend the burner quantities listed so you can ensure your grill heats up and reaches a high temperature. On a minimum, each burner should have a burning power of 12,000 BTU. 

However, if you're passionate about gas grilling and the charcoal is just an add-on for you, I recommend the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Grill. It is a well-equipped gas and charcoal combo grill, the main feature of which is the gas grill area.

The three burners are great for this medium-sized grill. They heat the entire surface quickly and evenly. The charcoal grill area also works well but could be better.

2. The Charcoal Chamber 

If you are a pit master, your charcoal smoking skills must never be in doubt. Charcoal grills are quite powerful when it comes to direct searing. But hybrid grills also ensure perfectly smoked foods, just because you can add flavored wood chips

In addition, you should check whether the charcoal side allows you the possibility of smoking. 

All these qualities should be part of the standard equipment of a good charcoal grill. Unfortunately, many hybrid grill manufacturers don't focus on perfecting the charcoal grilling range. For this reason, you should ensure that the grill has the rest of these features. 

3. Temperature Control

Most combo grills that come with a charcoal section are not well designed. Why? This is because proper temperature control requires properly designed air vents.

Unfortunately, most gas and charcoal grills do not have ventilation openings or they are not well-thought out. A well-combined grill with a charcoal grilling area should have vents to allow air to enter.

Such a system allows you to control the temperature during grilling. The more air there is, the faster the charcoal will burn (higher temperature). Likewise, less air means the charcoal burns less intensely and for longer (lower temperature).

And what happens if the air vents cannot be regulated? In this case, the only way to control the temperature is to adjust the amount of charcoal. You'll have to experiment and evaluate how much charcoal to put in to get the temperature you want.

outdoor propane gas grill with stakes

4. Distance Between Embers and Grate

This is an important point that many gas and coal equipment do not take into account. You need to check the distance between the grates and the embers. A good combi grill should have an adjustable charcoal pan that you can adjust to suit your needs.

If the distance between the embers and the grill is insufficient, the food will be directly exposed to excessive temperatures. This way you can even literally burn the food in a moment.

For this reason, it is important that the distance between the coal and the food is far enough or that the height of the grill can be adjusted.

Also, when grilling, you occasionally have to add charcoal to the fire to maintain the heat. For this reason, it's good that the combi grill allows easy access to the charcoal tray. Raising the cooking grate to add more charcoal is sufficient in most cases. Avoid structures that complicate the process.

5. The Cooking System

When buying your first grill, one of the most important things to consider is the cooking system. The grate should be strong and durable porcelain-coated stainless steel. This will provide heat retention, and ensure that the grate is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion caused by food drips and grease.

This is also crucial as this is where the fuel will be ignited. After all, it is important for the safety of your grill as well as your safety. The safest grill is the best.

As for the cooking surface, watch out for the total cooking space listed. A good example of a gas and charcoal grill combo that provides a good surface area for charcoal is the Char-Griller 5050. It has a total cooking surface of 1200 square inches

This model also has all the top features you need in a combi grill – adjustable ventilation grilles, easily removable ashtrays, easy access to the charcoal, and the ability to adjust the distance between the charcoal pan and the grilles. This is everything a charcoal grill should have.

6. The Size of the Grill

Combo grills are not your portable tailgating grills. Hybrid grills are typically larger in size than the average gas or charcoal grill. But models like the Gas2Coal are ideal for those trying to save backyard space. However, you have to note that a combi grill in any case is space-saving equipment because you don't have to buy two grills that use different fuels. 

If you have a lot of space in your backyard, a better solution would be to buy a standard-size gas grill and another charcoal grill for example. For a similar price, you can find really good grills that are undoubtedly a better choice than a mixed grill.

For example, you can buy a large charcoal grill (like the Weber Original Kettle Premium) and another equally sized gas grill (like the Char-Broil Performance 340B).

If you look at the prices, the two grills together cost about the same as a combo grill, with the benefit of saving space.

That's not to say combo grills are bad. Hybrid grills are good and practical but the downside is the high price and, in many cases, the quality of the materials that go with them. The quality is not bad, but not comparable to grills developed for a single fuel by reliable brands. As of now, not many top grill brands are in the combination grill sector yet. 

Outdoor Barbecue Grilling

7. Ease of Assembly

You don't want to spend hours assembling your new product. It is important to ensure it is easy to assemble. Reputable brands will do their best to make assembly as easy as possible. 

So always choose one that comes pre-assembled. If you have to put some things together, you should not need a tool to do that or call in a technician. 

8. Cleaning

Let's face it, no one likes cleaning the grill.

But you need to clean the grilling area to remove the ashes after preparing a meal, especially when grilling with a charcoal grill.  

That's why you should only go for gas and charcoal grills with grids and ashtrays with simple designs that make them easy to remove, empty, and clean. 

Conclusion 

Which is better: charcoal or gas grill? This question used to be one of the most asked by those looking to get a new grill. The answer is finally here with the charcoal gas combo grill. I mean, why choose one when you can have both? 

When choosing a grill, watch out for the cooking space, number and types of burners, and burning capacity. Also important are the temperature control, the ash removal method, and the ease of adding charcoal.

I suggest going for the Char-Griller 5050 if you're looking for the best charcoal smoker/grill combo. It offers exceptional performance at a really affordable price. Then the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 model is the best for those who want to do everything on a grill. It is a charcoal and propane grill as well as a smoker and stove. The 12,000 stainless steel tube burners in this model will last for many years. The 860 square inch cooking surface allows you to prepare whatever you desire. The Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal LP is ideal if you want a grill and a smoker in one. 

By Kristy J. Norton
I'm Kristy – a chef and connoisseur of all things BBQ! You can find me either in my kitchen (or someone else's) or at a big outdoor barbecue surrounded by friends and family. In both my professional and personal life I’ve picked up more than a few tips and tricks for turning out delicious food. I consider it a privilege to share it with others!
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