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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.
If you have ever stood in the aisle torn between the smoky taste of charcoal and the instant-on convenience of propane, you already know the real pain in this category: you want both, but your patio has room for only one grill. A combination grill solves that by packing a charcoal chamber and a gas cooking zone into a single freestanding cart, so you can sear a steak fast on gas or babysit a brisket low-and-slow over charcoal without buying two separate machines.
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.
The eight grills here cover the range people actually compare: premium offset-smoker combos with huge cooking capacity, mid-range dual-fuel carts with side burners, and budget entries that still deliver both fuels. If you want a combination grill that fits how you actually cook, these reviews break down the square inches, the BTU output, and the real-world cleanup each one demands.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Combination Grill
Picking a combo grill means deciding how much you will use each fuel source. If you mostly want fast weeknight burgers, a model with a strong gas side (higher BTU) and a small charcoal section is fine. If you plan to smoke pork shoulders or brisket on weekends, you need a bigger charcoal chamber with dampers — like a true offset smoker built into the cart. The wrong choice here leaves you with a grill where one side feels undersized or underpowered.
Total cooking area and how it is split
Look at the primary cooking surface, not just the total number. A combo might claim 800 square inches, but if that is split 400 gas and 400 charcoal, each side is modest for a crowd. The real-world number to check is the largest single fuel zone: you want at least 500 square inches on whichever side you will use most. A warming rack adds space but does not replace primary grilling area for direct heat cooking.
BTU output and burner count
BTU (British Thermal Units) measures how much heat the gas burners can produce per hour. Higher BTU means the grill heats up faster and can hold temperature better in cold wind, but it does not guarantee even cooking — burner design and heat-tamers matter just as much. A three-burner gas side (around 36,000 BTU total) gives you separate heat zones so you can sear on one side and keep food warm on the other. Two-burner models (20,000–24,000 BTU) are fine for direct grilling but limit zone cooking.
Build materials and cleanup design
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat well, resist rust longer than bare cast iron, and are easier to scrape clean. The frame should be heavy-gauge steel or alloy steel — thin sheet metal wobbles and rusts faster. For cleanup, look for a slide-out ash tray under the charcoal side and a removable grease tray or cup under the gas side. Without these, you will be scraping ash and dripping grease out of hard-to-reach corners after every cook.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Total Cooking Area | Gas BTU Output | Build Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo★ Best Overall | Offset smoking + grilling | 1031 sq. in. | 36,000 BTU | — | Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 ComboTop Performer | Premium dual-fuel + side burner | 690 sq. in. | 37,000 BTU | — | Amazon |
| ZH3005 2-Burner ComboBest Value | Value dual-fuel with side burner | 823 sq. in. | 34,000 BTU | 78.3 lbs | Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N | Compact side-by-side prep | 759 sq. in. | 20,000 BTU | — | Amazon |
| Captiva Designs Combo | Family parties and easy cleanup | 690 sq. in. | — | — | Amazon |
| Sophia & William Combo | Even-heat with side burner | 690 sq. in. | 28,650 BTU | 105 lbs | Amazon |
| GREEN PARTY 3-Burner Combo | Temperature control and airflow | 685 sq. in. | 37,000 BTU | — | Amazon |
| Brand-Man Dual Fuel Combo | Grill and griddle versatility | 678 sq. in. | — | — | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Smoker and Grill
Our pick — over 4★ from 100+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The offset smoker that doubles as a gas grill without shrinking the cooking area.
This is the one to pick if you want real smoking capability — not just a charcoal box tacked onto a gas cart. The charcoal side is a proper offset smoker with a separate firebox, giving you 750 square inches of primary smoking space that fits two pork shoulders, plus an extra 281 square inches on the firebox grate itself for 15 wings or 6 burgers. That total of 1,031 square inches of cooking area is a 49% larger cooking area than the 690 square inch Captiva Designs combo, so you have room for a full brisket and a tray of sides at the same time.
The gas side runs on 36,000 BTU across 3 burners — a 26% gap in BTU output compared to the Sophia & William combo’s 28,650 BTU — so it reaches cooking temperature fast and holds even heat across the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates. Dual lid-mounted temperature gauges let you monitor each chamber without lifting the lid. Buyers report that the heavy-gauge steel and high-temp finish hold up well through several seasons, though the 35.6″D x 68.9″W x 50.8″H footprint means you need dedicated patio space — it is 52% wider than the 23.35-inch-wide ZH3005 combo.
What sells it
- True offset smoker design with adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers for temperature control
- Removable firebox ash pan makes charcoal cleanup straightforward
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates resist rust and hold heat for consistent sear marks
The trade-offs
- Large footprint at 68.9 inches wide demands a spacious patio or deck
- Propane tank not included, so factor that into your first cook setup
Reach for this if: you want a real offset smoker that also grills fast on gas, and you have the patio space to handle a 69-inch-wide cart.
Look elsewhere if: your balcony or small deck cannot fit a grill this wide, or you rarely need more than 700 square inches of cooking area.
2. MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
A high-BTU gas side that outpaces bigger names on raw power.
With 37,000 BTU across 3 stainless steel burners, this MFSTUDIO combo delivers the highest gas heat output in the list — edging out the Oklahoma Joe’s 36,000 BTU and the Sophia & William’s 28,650 BTU. That extra thermal headroom means the gas side heats up noticeably faster, which matters on a windy day or when you are cooking for a crowd and need to recover temperature after loading cold meat onto the grates. The charcoal zone operates independently, so you can run both fuels at different temperatures simultaneously, and the right-side burner (included in the box, per the data) lets you simmer sauce while the main grills do the heavy lifting.
The cooking surface totals 690 square inches, with 520 square inches of primary space on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and 170 square inches on a stainless steel warming rack. That is identical to the 690 square inches you get on the Captiva Designs and Sophia & William models, but the MFSTUDIO adds a side burner none of those offer at the same spec level. Owners mention that the dual-layer lids with built-in thermometers hold temperature well, and the slide-out grease tray and ash drawer keep post-cook cleanup manageable — no scraping charcoal dust out of corners.
Why it stands out
- 37,000 BTU total gas output — the highest in this review — for faster preheat and heat recovery
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and distribute heat evenly across both cooking zones
- Two swivel casters and two wheels make moving a 61-inch-wide cart manageable on a deck or patio
One thing to know
- The 690 square inch total is split between gas and charcoal, so neither zone alone is huge for a big party
Strongest gas performer: if you want the fastest heating gas side in this class and a side burner for sides, this is the one.
Reconsider if: you need a single oversized charcoal chamber for smoking — the charcoal area here is not an offset smoker like the Oklahoma Joe’s.
3. ZH3005 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill with Side Burner
A budget-friendly cart that packs a side burner and 823 square inches.
At 823 square inches of total cooking space and a side burner included, this ZH3005 from Grills House gives you the biggest cooking area-to-dollar ratio in the group. The primary grilling area is split evenly at 333 square inches for gas and 333 square inches for charcoal, plus 157 square inches of warming rack, so you can cook up to 30 burgers across both fuels simultaneously. The gas burners deliver 34,000 BTU total — 12,000 BTU per main burner plus 10,000 BTU for the side burner — which is respectable for a two-burner setup. You fire it with a piezo ignition, meaning no battery or lighter needed.
The charcoal side includes a height-adjustable charcoal pan and a smoke stack with a side air vent, so you can dial in airflow without lifting the lid. Dual lid-mounted thermometers on each cooking chamber show real-time temperature. At 78.3 pounds and a 23.35-inch depth, it is noticeably lighter and more compact than the 105-pound Sophia & William combo, but buyers warn that the alloy steel frame feels lighter-duty than the heavier premium carts. The one-year limited parts warranty covers the basics if something goes wrong during the first year.
Where it wins
- 823 square inches total for the price point is tough to top in this category
- Side burner adds capacity for sauce, sides, or a kettle without clogging the main grates
- Piezo ignition eliminates the need for batteries or a separate lighter
Where it compromises
- Each primary cooking zone is only 333 square inches — smaller than the Oklahoma Joe’s charcoal side alone
- Two-burner gas side limits zone cooking compared to three-burner models
Best for budget-minded buyers: you get both fuels, a side burner, and over 800 square inches without spending premium money.
skip it if: you want a three-burner gas side for multi-zone cooking or a heavier frame that will feel more solid long-term.
4. Sophia & William Charcoal and Propane Gas Grill Combo with Side Burner
A heavy-duty cart that uses enameled cast iron for even heat across both sides.
This Sophia & William combo weighs 105 pounds, so it stays planted on the patio and resists rocking when you work the grill. The gas side runs three stainless steel burners at 28,650 BTU total plus an 8,530 BTU side burner, giving you a separate cooking zone for simmering barbecue sauce or sautéing vegetables. The charcoal side uses an adjustable tray with a crank handle, so you can raise or lower the coals to manage heat without opening the lid. The combination of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, stainless steel burners, and porcelain-enameled flame tamers distributes heat evenly across the 520 square inch primary cooking area.
The total cooking space is 690 square inches — 520 square inches of primary grates plus 170 square inches of stainless steel warming rack. That matches the Captiva Designs combo in size, but the gas BTU output is lower than the MFSTUDIO’s 37,000 BTU or the Oklahoma Joe’s 36,000 BTU. Buyers mention that the push-out ash tray and slide-out grease tray make cleanup easier than models where ash collects in a deep pan. The 10-inch cooking space height (from grill to closed lid) gives you enough vertical room for a beer-can chicken or a thick roast without hitting the lid.
What works
- 105-pound weight provides a stable cook surface that does not shift when you flip burgers or stir coals
- Adjustable charcoal tray with crank handle gives precise heat control on the charcoal side
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust and cracking across multiple seasons
What to consider
- Gas BTU output at 28,650 is lower than premium competitors, so preheat takes a bit longer in cold weather
- 690 square inches total is adequate but not as generous as the 823+ square inch models
Stable and well-built: if you prefer a heavier cart that does not skimp on cast iron components, this one delivers for regular weekend cooking.
Pass on it if: you need maximum gas BTUs for fast searing or you want a single oversized cooking zone over 400 square inches per fuel.
5. GREEN PARTY 3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
Airflow engineering that gives you precise flame control on both fuel sides.
This GREEN PARTY combo matches the MFSTUDIO’s 37,000 BTU gas output with three main burners and a side burner, but it differentiates itself with an emphasis on airflow management. Lid-mounted dampers and an invisible front air vent improve oxygen circulation without lifting the lid — more damper opening means more oxygen, which raises the flame, while closing it down lets you cook low and slow. The charcoal side features a height-adjustable pan that you adjust via a crank, letting you set the charcoal distance to the food for better heat efficiency.
Total cooking area is 685 square inches on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, which is slightly smaller than the 690 square inch models but still enough for a full pack of spare ribs on the charcoal side and a batch of chicken thighs on the gas side. Customers note that the grease management system — a tray that funnels drippings into a cup — and the separate ash collection system cut down on scrubbing time after a long cook. The 23″D x 46″W x 61″H dimensions mean it occupies about the same floor space as the Captiva Designs and Sophia & William carts, so it fits into a standard patio corner without overhang.
Why it impresses
- Lid-mounted dampers and front air vent give you real flame control without losing heat by opening the lid
- 37,000 BTU across 3 burners delivers fast preheat and strong searing power
- Separate grease and ash collection trays keep post-cook cleanup simple
Minor trade-off
- 685 square inches total is on the lower end of the range — ideal for small to medium gatherings
Best for airflow nerds: if you want to tinker with dampers and adjust charcoal height for precise temperature, this is the most tunable combo here.
Not for you if: you want the largest possible cooking surface or a true offset smoker chamber for big briskets.
6. Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
Side-by-side fuel zones with foldable shelves for tighter patio spots.
The Royal Gourmet ZH3002N places the charcoal grill and 2-burner gas grill side by side in a layout that fits into tighter spaces — its dimensions of 64.17 x 64.17 x 45.28 inches give it a square footprint that is 2.8 times the height dimension of the Captiva Designs model, making it feel more compact in width. Two side shelves fold down when you need prep space, and three hooks on each side let you hang tongs and spatulas within arm’s reach. Two 6-inch wheels and two 3-inch lockable casters make it easy to roll out of storage for a weekend cook.
Total cooking area is 759 square inches, split into 592 square inches of cooking grates and 167 square inches of warming rack. That is enough for 30 burgers at once. The gas side runs at 20,000 BTU across two burners, which is the lowest gas output in this review — it will cook food fine but takes longer to heat up and recover temperature than the 34,000–37,000 BTU models. Buyers mention that the slide-out ash tray for the charcoal side and the large-capacity grease cup for the gas side make cleanup straightforward, but the 3.8-star average rating suggests some fit-and-finish inconsistencies compared to the higher-rated options on this list.
What fits
- 759 square inches of cooking area fits up to 30 burgers across both fuel zones
- Foldable shelves and integrated tool hooks save counter space on small patios
- Two large wheels plus two lockable casters make moving it easy
What holds it back
- 20,000 BTU gas output is noticeably lower than other combos — expect slower preheat and less wind resistance
- 3.8-star rating from 136 reviews indicates some assembly or durability concerns
Good for tight spaces: if you need a dual-fuel grill that fits into a corner and folds down for storage, this is a workable option.
Not the pick if: you want fast gas heating or heavy-duty build quality — the premium picks above offer more power and higher ratings.
7. Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
A 61-inch-long cooking counter that puts real distance between your fuel zones.
This Captiva Designs setup stretches 61 inches wide, giving you independent charcoal and gas sections that sit far enough apart to avoid cross-heat interference. The primary cooking area is 520 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, plus 170 square inches of stainless steel warming rack, totaling 690 square inches of cooking space. The cast iron grates combine the heat retention of traditional cast iron with a non-stick surface that resists rust and cracking — a step up from standard steel grates. Three stainless steel burners feed the gas side, and the enameled charcoal tray distributes heat evenly on the charcoal side.
Cleanup is a strong point here: the grease tray sits at a slight tilt so drippings flow directly into a hanging grease box under the cart, and the ash tray slides out for quick emptying. Reviewers point out that the 61-inch width feels spacious for family gatherings, and the 4.0-star rating from 416 reviews makes it among the most-reviewed combos on this list, suggesting consistent quality across units. The gas BTU output is not listed in the standard spec data, but the 11 Kilowatt heating power (around 37,530 BTU equivalent) puts it in the same range as the top performers. The 23-inch depth keeps it from sticking too far into the patio walkway.
What works well
- 520 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast iron primary grates provide heavy-duty cooking surface with rust resistance
- 61-inch-wide layout gives each fuel zone its own space, reducing heat bleed between sides
- 416 ratings at 4.0 stars is the highest review count here, indicating trustworthy long-term performance
Consider this
- 690 square inches total, while adequate, is smaller than the 759–1,031 square inch models for bigger parties
Proven crowd-pleaser: if you want a well-reviewed combo with strong cast iron components and easy drip management, this is a safe bet.
Look past it if: you need the biggest smoking capacity — the Oklahoma Joe’s offset smoker nearly doubles the cooking area for serious smokers.
8. Brand-Man Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, Grill and Griddle Combo
A dual-fuel cart that squeezes in a griddle surface for smash burgers and breakfast.
This Brand-Man combo takes the standard gas-and-charcoal layout and adds a griddle cooking surface, so you can smash burgers, fry eggs, or sear fish alongside your grilled meats. The cooking area totals 678 square inches — 472 square inches of cast iron primary grates and 206 square inches of warming rack — which is the smallest total in this review but still enough for a medium-sized party. The gas side uses stainless steel burners with independently controlled zones, letting you run one side hot while keeping the other warm. The front panel folds down into a condiment station, and dual foldable shelves give you extra prep space that packs away when not in use.
The charcoal side includes a side damper for airflow control and a height-adjustable charcoal pan, so you can dial in heat for different cooking styles. A large handle grill cover protects the unit when stored outdoors. Shoppers say that the heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters make rolling the 64-inch-wide cart around a deck straightforward, but the 678 square inch total means you will fill both fuel zones quickly if you are cooking for more than six people. The 4.1-star rating from 55 reviews suggests early adopters are satisfied, but the lower review count means long-term durability is less proven than the Captiva Designs or Oklahoma Joe’s models.
Unique feature
- Griddle surface adds smash-burger and breakfast capability that a standard grill grate cannot match
- Foldable shelves and condiment station keep the prep area organized during a cook
- Heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters simplify moving the 64-inch-wide cart
What to weigh
- 678 square inches total is the smallest cooking area here — each fuel zone is compact
- Only 55 reviews means the long-term reliability signal is weaker than more-reviewed models
For griddle lovers: if you want a dual-fuel grill that also does smash burgers and breakfast, this is the only combo here with that capability built in.
Not ideal if: you need maximum cooking surface for big cookouts — the larger combos give you over 800 square inches of dedicated grilling space.
Understanding the Specs
BTU and what it really means
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, and it measures how much heat the gas burners produce per hour. You will see numbers from 20,000 BTU on a two-burner grill up to 37,000 BTU on a three-burner model. Higher BTU means the grill heats up faster and holds temperature better on a windy day, but it does not automatically mean better cooking — burner layout and heat tamers (metal plates above the burners that spread heat) matter just as much. For most backyards, 30,000 BTU or more on the gas side gives you good searing power and quick recovery after you load cold meat onto the grates.
Total cooking area vs. primary cooking area
Total cooking area includes both the main grates and the warming rack. The primary cooking area is the space directly over the burners or coals — that is where you get direct heat for searing and grilling. A warming rack sits above the cooking surface and keeps food hot without overcooking, but it cannot be used for direct-heat cooking. When comparing combo grills, look at the primary area for each fuel zone, not just the total. A grill that claims 800 square inches total might only have 350 square inches of primary space on the gas side, which is tight for a large batch of steaks or chicken thighs.
FAQ
Can I use the charcoal and gas sides at the same time?
Will a combination grill fit on my balcony or small patio?
What size propane tank does a combo grill need?
How do I clean the charcoal side of a combo grill?
Is a side burner worth getting on a combo grill?
How long does a combination grill last?
What is the difference between 2-burner and 3-burner gas sides?
Can I use wood chips or chunks in the charcoal side for extra smoke flavor?
Is a heavier grill always better?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the combination grill winner is the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo because its 1,031 square inches of cooking space and true offset smoker design give you real smoking and grilling in one cart. If you want the fastest gas side with a side burner, grab the MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 Combo. And for the best value that still includes a side burner and 823 square inches of cooking area, the standout is the ZH3005 2-Burner Combo.
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.
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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.