Our readers keep the lights on and my smoothie glass nicely filled. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Choosing between the convenience of gas and the smoky flavor of charcoal used to mean owning two separate grills. A combo grill solves that by packing both fuel types into a single unit, so you get quick-lit weeknight burgers alongside slow-smoked weekend ribs without doubling your patio footprint. This guide cuts through the clutter to show you which dual-fuel designs actually deliver on that promise—and which ones just take up space.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. 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.
Whether you are feeding a crowd or upgrading your backyard setup, the right combo grill balances heat output, cooking area, and ease of cleanup in a way that matches how you actually cook.
Quick Picks
- Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo — Best Overall
- MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner — 3-in-1 Versatility
- Sophia & William Charcoal and Propane Gas Grill Combo — Premium Build
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill — True Smoker
- GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner — Mid-Size Performer
- SKOK 4 Burner 3-in-1 Charcoal/Gas/Griddle Combo Outdoor Grill — Compact 3-in-1
- Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo Black Dual Lids — Budget-Friendly
How To Choose The Best Combo Grill
A combo grill is a compromise machine, so the key is knowing which compromises you can live with. Focus on the fuel layout, the cooking surface, and how easily you can clean up after both sides.
Fuel layout and independent cooking zones
The whole point of a combo grill is running gas and charcoal separately. Look for independent lids so you can smoke on the charcoal side while grilling burgers on the gas side without mixing flavors or losing heat. Some models share a single lid, which limits you to one mode at a time.
Cooking surface breakdown
Manufacturers advertise total square inches, but that number combines primary grilling space and a warming rack. For real cooking, focus on the primary area—usually 500–750 square inches for a family-sized unit. A warming rack is handy for keeping buns toasty but should not inflate the headline number.
Heat output and burner count
BTU (British Thermal Units) measures raw heat output, but more is not always better. A single 12,000 BTU burner can sear fine if the grate is close to the flame. What matters more is even heat distribution, which comes from well-designed flame tamers and thick grates rather than just a high BTU number.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Primary Cooking Area | Fuel Type | Burner BTU | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captiva Designs | Large gatherings | 690 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 28,650 + 8,530 | Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 | Versatility with side burner | 690 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 37,000 | Amazon |
| Sophia & William | Heavy-duty cast iron grates | 690 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 28,650 + 8,530 | Amazon |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon | True smoking & grilling | 1,031 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 36,000 | Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS | Mid-size family meals | 673 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 30,000 + 9,000 | Amazon |
| SKOK 3-in-1 | Compact portable use | 331 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | — | Amazon |
| BESTFIRE | Budget dual-fuel entry | 327 sq. in. | Charcoal & Gas | 12,000 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
The spacious 61-inch cooking counter that lets you run charcoal and gas side by side without crowding.
With 690 square inches of total cooking area—520 of those on porcelain-enameled cast iron primary grates and another 170 on a stainless steel warming rack—this Captiva Designs model gives you room for a whole party’s worth of food. The gas side uses three stainless steel burners delivering 28,650 BTU plus an 8,530 BTU side burner, while the charcoal side has its own independent controls. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide the heat retention of traditional cast iron but add non-stick and rust-resistant properties, so cleanup is less of a chore.
Compared with compact models like the Bestfire at 327 sq. in., the Captiva Designs offers 690 sq. in., which means you can smoke a brisket on one side while searing steaks on the other without shuffling food around. Buyers report that the slide-out grease tray and charcoal ash tray make post-BBQ cleanup straightforward—the grease tray is designed with a slight tilt so drippings flow directly into the hanging grease box.
The trade-off is size: at 23 x 61 x 46 inches and weighing 105 lbs, this is a permanent backyard fixture, not something you haul to the park.
Why it leads
- Full 690 sq. in. cooking area with separate gas and charcoal zones
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust better than bare cast iron
- Slide-out grease and ash trays for quick post-cook cleanup
- Side burner adds a dedicated spot for sauces or sides
The footprint reality
- At 105 lbs and 61 inches wide, it demands permanent patio space
- No side shelves included for prep space beyond the warming rack
Perfect for: anyone hosting regular backyard gatherings who wants true dual-fuel flexibility without sacrificing cooking area.
skip it if: you only have a small balcony or need a grill that can be stored away between uses.
2. MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
The independent charcoal and gas zones with dual-layer lids for separate temperature control in each section.
The MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 uses three stainless steel burners with a combined 37,000 BTU, while the Captiva Designs gas side is rated at 28,650 BTU. It also adds a side burner, giving you three cooking zones: charcoal, propane, and a dedicated spot for simmering sides. The 690 sq. in. total cooking area is identical to the Captiva Designs—520 sq. in. primary on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates plus a 170 sq. in. warming rack.
Owners mention it took about an hour to assemble and described the build quality as solid for the price. One buyer specifically mentioned that the gas and charcoal sides both work great, and a minor part issue was resolved quickly by customer service. The dual-layer lids each have a built-in stainless steel thermometer, so you can monitor temps without lifting the hood.
One owner did mention uneven heat on the burner side, so you may need to rotate food occasionally for even searing.
Standout features
- 37,000 BTU total gas output heats up fast for searing
- Side burner adds a third cooking zone beyond charcoal and gas
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are non-stick and rust-resistant
- Dual-layer lids with thermometers for each cooking zone
Watch for
- Some buyers reported uneven heat distribution on the gas burners
- Assembly is a two-person job despite straightforward instructions
Best for: cooks who want maximum heat output and a side burner for sides or sauces during big cookouts.
Not ideal if: perfect heat uniformity across every inch of the grates is non-negotiable for you.
3. Sophia & William Charcoal and Propane Gas Grill Combo
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that resist cracking and rust while holding heat like traditional cast iron.
The Sophia & William combo delivers the same 690 sq. in. total cooking area as the Captiva Designs and MFSTUDIO models, with a 520 sq. in. primary cooking area on porcelain-enameled cast iron and a 170 sq. in. warming rack. The gas side runs three stainless steel burners at 28,650 BTU plus the 8,530 BTU side burner, while the charcoal side features an adjustable tray with a crank handle for easy heat control. The heating power is rated at 11 kilowatts, which translates to quick warm-up times for both fuel types.
The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and flame tamers work together to distribute heat evenly, which should help avoid the hot and cold spots some combo grills suffer from. The frame is alloy steel rather than painted steel, offering better long-term durability against the elements. Slide-out ash and grease trays keep the post-cook routine simple—the grease cup collects drippings without making a mess on the patio.
At 105 lbs and 61 inches wide, it demands a permanent spot in the yard, much like the other full-size combo grills here.
What stands out
- Crank-adjustable charcoal tray for fine-tuned heat control
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and cracking
- Alloy steel frame for better outdoor durability
- Full-size slide-out grease and ash trays for easy cleanup
The catch
- 23 x 61 x 46 inch footprint requires significant patio space
- No side shelves included beyond the warming rack
Reach for this if: you want the durability of alloy steel and a crank-adjustable charcoal tray for precise smoking control.
Pass on it if: you need a grill that can be moved around frequently—this one stays put.
4. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill
The offset smoker design that gives you a dedicated firebox for low-and-slow charcoal smoking alongside a gas grill.
Oklahoma Joe’s takes a different approach from the other combo grills here: instead of side-by-side gas and charcoal zones under one hood, it uses an offset charcoal smoker with a separate firebox plus a 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane grill. The total cooking area is the largest in this lineup at 1,031 square inches—750 sq. in. primary cooking area plus a 281 sq. in. firebox grate that fits up to 15 wings or 6 burgers. You can smoke two pork shoulders low-and-slow while grilling a dozen burgers on the gas side simultaneously.
Buyers consistently praise the flexibility: one owner calls it “best of both worlds,” noting the solid build and the convenience of separate zones for quick weeknight meals and weekend smoking sessions. The adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers give you pitmaster-level temperature control for consistent smoke flow. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust and hold heat for even cooking and good grill marks. Dual lid-mounted temperature gauges show accurate temps for both the smoker and the gas side.
One experienced reviewer flagged that the charcoal side requires frequent fire tending (roughly every 25 minutes) because the cooking area is half the size of a dedicated offset smoker. They also noted the top gauge reads about 10°F high on the far side and 5°F low near the heat source, so an additional probe thermometer is wise.
Why it wins for smokers
- True offset smoker design with adjustable dampers for smoke control
- Largest cooking area at 1,031 sq. in. total
- Separate firebox grate adds 281 sq. in. of extra cooking space
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates for even heat and easy cleanup
What to know
- Charcoal side needs frequent fire tending (~25 min intervals)
- Lid gauges have minor accuracy variance; an external probe is recommended
Made for: backyard pitmasters who want real offset smoking capability plus gas convenience in one unit.
Avoid if: you prefer low-maintenance charcoal cooking or have limited patience for fire management.
5. GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
The three independently controlled burners and side burner that let you cook at different temps across the griddle and grill sections.
The GRILL DEPOTS combo covers 673.1 square inches total—510.48 sq. in. of cast iron cooking grids and a 162.62 sq. in. warming area. It includes a perforated griddle pan with holes on the bottom that allows heat and smoke to pass through food quickly, which is great for steaks, fish, and vegetables. Three independently adjustable burners each deliver 10,000 BTU (30,000 BTU total) plus a 9,000 BTU side burner, giving you four heat zones to work with. The double-layer stainless steel lid is built to last longer than single-layer powder-coated lids and locks in heat without warping over time.
The side table provides extra prep space and four hooks keep tools within reach. Four wheels make it maneuverable across patios, and the pull-out oil drip tray collects grease and residue during cooking. The cast iron grates have a non-stick surface for easier post-grilling cleanup compared to bare cast iron.
At 14.76 x 51 x 45.5 inches, it is narrower than the 61-inch models but still offers competitive cooking area—a good fit for smaller patios that still need room for a crowd.
Smart design choices
- Three 10,000 BTU burners plus 9,000 BTU side burner = four heat zones
- Perforated griddle pan allows smoke to pass through for better flavor
- Double-layer stainless steel lid resists warping over time
- Four wheels for easy movement across the patio
Small trade-off
- 51-inch width is narrower than the 61-inch premium models
- Powder-coated finish may not be as durable as alloy steel long-term
Best fit for: smaller patios that still need a generous cooking area and the flexibility of a side burner.
pass on it if: you need the absolute maximum primary cooking surface above 600 sq. in.
6. SKOK 4 Burner 3-in-1 Charcoal/Gas/Griddle Combo Outdoor Grill
The 3-in-1 design that adds a flat griddle to standard gas and charcoal cooking in a compact 32.7-inch frame.
The SKOK stands out from every other grill here by adding a third cooking mode: a flat griddle. Instead of just gas and charcoal, you get a cast iron griddle (184.51 sq. in.) and a cast iron grilling area (146.48 sq. in.), plus a free charcoal box and enameled cooking grate so you can switch surfaces based on what you are cooking. The item dimensions are 32.7 x 18.9 x 17.5 inches, making it the smallest combo grill here, with 331 sq. in. of cooking area versus the Captiva Designs at 690 sq. in.
Dual lids help retain heat separately for each cooking zone. The 2-in-1 oil and ash drip tray uses a grooved design to channel grease into the cup while collecting ash separately. It also includes thoughtful extras like a paper towel holder, bottle opener, thermometer, storage shelf, and hooks.
The trade-off is cooking capacity: at 331 sq. in., you can feed maybe 4–6 people comfortably, not a full party crowd.
Unique advantage
- Three cooking modes: charcoal grill, gas grill, and flat griddle
- Compact 32.7-inch width fits small patios and balconies
- Includes paper towel holder, bottle opener, and storage shelf
- 2-in-1 oil and ash tray for simplified cleanup
Size limitations
- 331 sq. in. total area is small for large gatherings
- Burner BTU is not listed in the manufacturer specs provided here
Ideal for: apartment dwellers or small families who want griddle capability alongside traditional grilling in a compact package.
Not for: anyone who regularly cooks for more than 4–6 people at a time.
7. Bestfire Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo Black Dual Lids
The entry-level dual-fuel grill that fits a tight budget without sacrificing the ability to cook with both gas and charcoal.
The Bestfire is the most affordable combo grill in this lineup, offering 327 square inches of cooking surface with a U-shaped stainless steel burner delivering 12,000 BTU. It has two side shelves for prep space, plus three hooks on each side for hanging tools, and a middle condiment shelf for spice bottles and oil. The cart includes heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters for easy movement and stability. The 22.68 kg (about 50 lbs) weight makes it the lightest full-stand model here.
A single main burner means you get one gas zone rather than the multiple independent burners found on pricier models. The grease trap for the propane side and ash tray for the charcoal side are both full-size and slidable, which keeps post-grill cleanup manageable. Compared to the Captiva Designs at 690 sq. in., the Bestfire offers 327 sq. in., which makes it better suited for small meals than big parties.
If your budget is tight and you just want a simple way to dip into both fuel types without a big investment, this works.
Best for tight budgets
- Most affordable dual-fuel option in this roundup
- Lightweight at 50 lbs with lockable casters for easy positioning
- Side shelves and hooks for tool storage within reach
- Full-size slide-out grease and ash trays
Where it saves money
- 327 sq. in. cooking area is small compared to the premium options
- Single burner limits heat zone flexibility
Good for: first-time combo grill buyers on a budget who want to try both gas and charcoal cooking.
Not enough for: anyone who needs multiple heat zones or regularly cooks for more than a few people.
Understanding the Specs
Cooking Area Breakdown
Manufacturers list one total number, but you need to split it into primary cooking surface and warming rack. Primary area (where food actually cooks) is what determines how many burgers or steaks fit at once. A 690 sq. in. model with 520 sq. in. primary space can typically handle 12–15 burgers, while the warming rack holds buns or veggies. Models like the Oklahoma Joe’s that include firebox grate space add true extra cooking area, not just a warming shelf.
BTU and Burner Count
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and measures how much heat the burner produces per hour. A single 12,000 BTU burner can hit high heat quickly for searing, but three 10,000 BTU burners spread that heat across a larger area, giving you more temperature zones to work with. The total BTU number is less important than how evenly the heat reaches the grates—that depends on the flame tamers and grate material, not just the burner rating.
FAQ
Can I use charcoal and gas at the same time in a combo grill?
How much cooking area do I need for a family of four?
What is the difference between porcelain-enameled cast iron and bare cast iron grates?
Do combo grills use standard 20 lb propane tanks?
How do I clean the charcoal side of a combo grill?
Is a side burner worth having on a combo grill?
How much does a typical combo grill weigh?
What does BTU mean and how many do I need?
Can I add wood chips to a combo grill for extra smoky flavor?
How long do combo grills typically last?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the combo grill winner is the Captiva Designs because it delivers a full 690 sq. in. cooking area with independent gas and charcoal zones, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for easy cleanup, and a side burner for sides—all at a sensible price for a permanent backyard grill. If you want true offset smoking capability, grab the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon. And for small patios or budget buyers, the SKOK 3-in-1 offers compact griddle versatility while staying affordable.
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.
As an Amazon Associate, WellFizz earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
Mo Maruf
I created WellFizz to bridge the gap between vague wellness advice and actionable solutions. My mission is simple: to decode the research and give you practical tools you can actually use.
Beyond the data, I am a passionate traveler. I believe that stepping away from the screen to explore new environments is essential for mental clarity and physical vitality.