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The decision between the instant convenience of gas and the deep, smoky soul of charcoal has divided backyard pitmasters for decades. A gas and charcoal combo grill eliminates this choice entirely, placing both fuel systems side-by-side in a single cooking station so you can sear a steak over propane flames while a pork shoulder slowly renders over lump charcoal. This guide breaks down the best dual-fuel rigs on the market, focusing on BTU output, total cooking area, grate material, and assembly complexity—the specs that actually determine whether a grill will serve you for three seasons or three years.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind WellFizz. Every product here has been evaluated through the lens of real-world metrics: 34,000 BTUs on a gas side means nothing if the charcoal pan lacks adjustable height, and a 1,000-square-inch cooking surface is wasted if the grates rust before the first Labor Day cookout.
To help you cut through the noise, I’ve sorted through dozens of dual-fuel models to find the best gas and charcoal bbq grill that delivers genuine versatility without compromising on build quality or heat control.
How To Choose The Best Gas And Charcoal BBQ Grill
Buying a dual-fuel grill means you are committing to more moving parts than a single-fuel unit. The gas plumbing, charcoal pan, dampers, and dual-lid system all need to work together without leaks or heat loss. Focus on these three areas before you click add to cart.
Fuel Zone Layout and Independence
Not all combo grills let you run gas and charcoal simultaneously at different temperatures. Look for a model with separate lids, independent thermometers, and a physical divider between the two cooking chambers. This prevents the charcoal side from bleeding excess heat into your gas zone, which can turn a low-and-slow propane cook into an accidental sear.
Grate Material and Heat Retention
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat far better than bare stainless steel, giving you those deep sear marks on steaks and consistent browning across the cooking surface. Stainless steel wire grates are lighter and rust-resistant but struggle to maintain temperature when the lid is opened. The best hybrids use cast iron on the gas side for quick searing and standard grates on the charcoal side for even smoke flow.
Ash Management and Grease Collection
A charcoal grill is only as enjoyable as its cleanup. Models with a removable ash pan or an EasyDump system let you empty spent coals without tipping the entire unit. On the gas side, a slide-out grease tray that channels drippings into a single collection cup saves you from scrubbing burnt-on residue after every cookout.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electactic 3-Burner Gas Grill | Propane Only | Quick weeknight searing | 34,000 BTU / 373 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Grills House ZH3005 | Combo | Versatile backyard cooking | 34,000 BTU / 823 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Grills House ZH3005Y-SC | Combo + Smoker | Smoking and slow-cooking | 34,000 BTU / 1,020 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Grill Boss Charcoal Grill | Charcoal Only | Pure charcoal flavor | 4-position adjustable tray | Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS Combo | Combo + Griddle | Griddle breakfasts + grilling | 41,500 BTU / 673 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N | Combo | Compact patio use | 20,000 BTU / 759 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Char-Griller E5030 | Combo + Smoker | Dual-fuel smoking | 24,000 BTU / 870 sq. in. | Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 | Combo | Premium cast-iron performance | 37,000 BTU / 690 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Captiva Designs Combo | Combo | Balanced dual-fuel setup | 690 sq. in. / cast-iron grates | Amazon |
| Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus | Combo + Griddle | Ultra-versatile station | 30,000 BTU / 1,260 sq. in. | Amazon |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo | Combo + Smoker | Pitmaster smoking | 36,000 BTU / 1,031 sq. in. | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
The MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 delivers the most balanced dual-fuel experience in this lineup. Its 37,000 BTU output is split across three stainless steel burners on the gas side, while the charcoal zone features an adjustable enameled tray that lets you dial in heat for searing or smoking. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates—520 square inches of primary cooking area plus a 170-square-inch warming rack—retain heat noticeably better than standard wire grates, producing consistent sear marks across burgers and steaks.
What sets this model apart is the independent double-layer lids with built-in thermometers. You can run a low-and-slow smoke on the charcoal side at 225°F while simultaneously searing chicken thighs on the gas side at 450°F without temperature crossover. The side burner adds a third cooking zone for sauces or sides, effectively turning the grill into a complete outdoor kitchen.
Cleanup is straightforward: a full-size slide-out grease tray under the gas section and a dedicated ash drawer under the charcoal chamber. Assembly is manageable with two people, and the one-year warranty backs the unit against manufacturing defects. For households that want true dual-fuel flexibility without stepping up to offset smoker complexity, this is the sweet spot.
Why it’s great
- Cast iron grates deliver superior heat retention and non-stick performance
- Independent lids prevent heat bleed between charcoal and gas zones
- Dedicated ash drawer and grease tray simplify post-cook cleanup
Good to know
- Burner flame distribution can be slightly uneven across the gas side
- Assembly requires two people and roughly 90 minutes
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo
Oklahoma Joe’s brings serious offset-smoker DNA into a dual-fuel package. The charcoal side is a true offset firebox with 281 square inches of grilling space, while the propane side uses three burners delivering 36,000 BTUs across a 750-square-inch primary cooking area. The firebox dampers and smokestack give you pitmaster-level control over airflow and temperature, making this the best option for anyone who wants to smoke brisket and pork shoulder on weekends while still having gas convenience for quick weeknight burgers.
The porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust and hold heat evenly, and dual lid-mounted thermometers let you monitor both chambers without lifting the hood. The firebox door swings open for easy fuel loading, and the removable ash pan speeds up cleanup after long smokes. Assembly is straightforward for a unit this size, and the heavy-gauge steel construction gives it a solid, stable feel on the patio.
On the gas side, the three burners heat up quickly and maintain consistent temperatures, though running both chambers simultaneously can cause the gas side to run hotter than expected due to radiant heat from the firebox. Plan for a bit of experimentation with damper settings to dial in your perfect balance. For dedicated smokers who want propane backup, this combo is tough to beat.
Why it’s great
- True offset smoker design for authentic low-and-slow cooking
- Heavy-gauge steel with high-temp finish resists rust
- Removable ash pan and ample 1,031 sq. in. total cooking area
Good to know
- Firebox requires frequent tending every 20-30 minutes
- Gas side temperature can creep up when charcoal side is running hot
3. Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus
The Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus is the Swiss Army knife of outdoor cooking. With a total of 1,260 square inches of cooking space, it combines a gas grill side (three stainless steel burners, 30,000 BTU), a charcoal grill side with an adjustable tray, and a pre-seasoned flat-top griddle that swaps in for the gas grates. That means you can sear steaks over propane, smoke ribs over charcoal, and fry bacon on the griddle all in one cook session.
The charcoal side features dual dampers and an adjustable tray for temperature management, giving you real control over smoke levels. The griddle insert is a welcome addition for breakfast cooks and fajita nights, and the automatic ignition on the gas side fires up instantly. The unit rolls on four wheels, making it easy to reposition across your patio.
The downside is that some units have arrived with thin sheet metal and early rust issues, particularly on the griddle tray. The gas burners produce a uniform flame, but the overall build quality doesn’t quite match the price point. If you prioritize cooking versatility over long-term durability and are willing to keep the grill covered and dry, this is a fun and functional station.
Why it’s great
- Three cooking methods in one station: gas, charcoal, and griddle
- Enormous 1,260 sq. in. total cooking area feeds a crowd
- Automatic push-button ignition on the gas side
Good to know
- Reported rust issues on the griddle tray with water exposure
- Thin steel on some panels; long-term durability is a concern
4. Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function 2-Burner
Char-Griller’s E5030 has been a staple in the dual-fuel space for years, and for good reason. The gas side pumps out 24,000 BTUs from two stainless steel burners, while the charcoal side offers an EasyDump ash pan that makes cleaning up after a cook nearly effortless. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates on both sides deliver even heat distribution and decent non-stick performance.
The total cooking area of 870 square inches includes a warming rack, and dual temperature gauges let you monitor each side independently. The electronic ignition fires up the gas side with a push of a button, and the side shelf with utensil hooks adds convenience. Assembly is more involved than the marketing suggests—plan for a couple of hours—but the thick sheet metal and matte powder-coat finish hold up well over multiple seasons.
One trade-off is the charcoal side’s tendency to run hot; keeping it below 400°F requires careful vent management. Seasoning the grill correctly from the start (aim for 300°F on both sides with the lids propped open) is critical. For the price, this is a rock-solid entry into dual-fuel grilling with a proven track record.
Why it’s great
- Proven durability with thick steel and quality powder-coat finish
- EasyDump ash pan makes charcoal cleanup fast
- Dual thermometers provide accurate temp monitoring per zone
Good to know
- Charcoal side runs hot; requires active damper management
- Assembly takes significantly longer than the claimed 45 minutes
5. Grills House ZH3005Y-SC with Offset Smoker
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC takes the standard combo format and adds a dedicated offset smoker chamber, bringing the total cooking area to 1,020 square inches. The smoker box (197 square inches) attaches to the charcoal side and circulates smoke through the main chamber, giving you the capacity to smoke a full brisket while the gas side handles burgers and hot dogs.
The gas side delivers 34,000 BTUs from two 12,000 BTU burners plus a 10,000 BTU side burner. The charcoal pan is height-adjustable across three levels, letting you switch between searing directly over coals and slower indirect cooking. The piezo ignition system fires without batteries, which is a nice reliability touch for a grill that lives outside.
Assembly is the biggest hurdle here—instructions are picture-only and parts labels can be confusing. Some buyers report stripped screws and alignment issues. Once assembled, the unit performs well, but the build quality is middle-of-the-pack. If you want a budget-friendly way to add offset smoking to your dual-fuel setup and don’t mind spending a few hours with a wrench, this delivers big cooking area for the investment.
Why it’s great
- Dedicated offset smoker adds genuine smoking capability
- 3-level adjustable charcoal pan for versatile heat control
- Piezo ignition eliminates battery dependency
Good to know
- Picture-only assembly instructions are difficult to follow
- Some hardware alignment issues reported during assembly
6. GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo
This GRILL DEPOTS model stands out for including a perforated griddle pan alongside standard cast iron grill grates. The 41,500 BTU output (three 10,000 BTU burners on the gas side plus a 9,000 BTU side burner) is among the highest in the mid-range tier, and the double-layer stainless steel lid retains heat effectively without warping over time.
The 673-square-inch total cooking area includes 510 square inches of primary space plus a warming rack. The charcoal side uses fewer briquettes thanks to the three-level tray design, and the pull-out oil drip tray simplifies grease disposal. Assembly is easier than many competitors, with clear instructions that save you from head-scratching.
The main limitation is the compact surface area—if you run only gas or only charcoal, you get roughly 250 square inches per side, which is tight for large gatherings. The metal construction feels mid-weight rather than premium, but the customer service response to shipping damage has been positive. For smaller households that want griddle flexibility, this is a solid mid-range pick.
Why it’s great
- Includes a perforated griddle pan for versatile cooking
- Double-layer stainless steel lid resists warping
- Charcoal side uses fewer briquettes with the adjustable tray
Good to know
- Limited surface area when using only one fuel type
- Mid-weight metal construction; not heavy-duty
7. Grills House ZH3005 2-Burner Combo
The standard Grills House ZH3005 is the base model of the lineup, and it covers the essentials without extra frills. The 823-square-inch total area splits evenly between gas (333 square inches) and charcoal (333 square inches), plus a 157-square-inch warming rack. Two stainless steel burners on the gas side produce 24,000 BTUs, and the side burner adds 10,000 BTUs for sauces or sides.
The charcoal pan is height-adjustable, and the smoke stack with side air vent gives you reasonable temperature control. The piezo ignition works reliably, and the right-side shelf offers decent prep space. Assembly is a mixed bag—the picture-only instructions work for some but frustrate others, and the side burner bracket requires careful alignment.
Once assembled, the grill delivers even heat across both zones. The charcoal side runs hot regardless of vent settings, so expect to monitor it closely during low-and-slow cooks. For the price, this is a straightforward, no-nonsense dual-fuel grill that gets the job done without promising premium fittings.
Why it’s great
- Balanced 333/333 sq. in. gas-to-charcoal split
- Height-adjustable charcoal pan for heat control
- Piezo ignition works without batteries
Good to know
- Picture-only instructions are confusing during assembly
- Charcoal side runs very hot regardless of vent position
8. Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo
Captiva Designs offers a nearly identical chassis to the MFSTUDIO model, with the same 690-square-inch layout and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. The gas side uses three stainless steel burners, and the charcoal tray is enameled for even heat distribution. The side burner adds flexibility for sauces or side dishes.
The dual-lid design with built-in thermometers works well, and the full-size slide-out grease tray and ash drawer make cleanup straightforward. Assembly requires two people due to the weight, but the instructions are detailed and clear—a welcome departure from the picture-only manuals common in this category.
The criticism centers on build quality consistency. Some units arrive with thin metal that bends during assembly, and the front air vents on the charcoal side are decorative rather than functional for some users. The shelves can warp from heat if left in place during high-temp cooks. If you get a well-constructed unit, this is a capable grill; the variability makes it a bit of a gamble.
Why it’s great
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for heat retention
- Detailed assembly instructions compared to competitors
- Easy clean-up with slide-out grease tray and ash drawer
Good to know
- Inconsistent build quality; some units have thin metal
- Front air vents on charcoal side may not be functional
9. Royal Gourmet ZH3002N
Royal Gourmet’s ZH3002N is designed for tighter patios and smaller groups. The 759-square-inch total area (592 square inches of cooking grates plus a 167-square-inch warming rack) is enough for up to 30 burgers, but the unit’s footprint is more compact than the wide-body competitors. The two-burner gas side produces a modest 20,000 BTUs, which is sufficient for steady heat but won’t give you the roaring sear of higher-output models.
Two side shelves provide prep space, and the four rolling wheels (two 6-inch and two 3-inch lockable casters) make it easy to move around the yard. Cleanup is handled by a slide-out ash tray on the charcoal side and a removable grease cup on the gas side. The design includes doors that hide the propane tank, giving the exterior a cleaner look.
Assembly takes several hours and requires careful bolt tightening—one reviewer reported the charcoal handle coming off mid-cook. The gas side heats evenly once assembled, and the charcoal side works well for smoking smaller cuts. This is a good option for couples or small families who want dual-fuel capability without a massive footprint.
Why it’s great
- Compact footprint ideal for small patios and balconies
- Doors hide the propane tank for a clean appearance
- Sliding ash tray and grease cup simplify cleanup
Good to know
- 20,000 BTU gas side is lower output than most competitors
- Assembly instructions are unclear; expect a multi-hour build
10. Electactic 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The Electactic 3-Burner is a gas-only grill, so it doesn’t offer the dual-fuel flexibility of the other entries on this list. However, its 34,000 BTU output and 373-square-inch cooking area make it a capable propane workhorse for those who prioritize quick, consistent heat over charcoal flavor. The stainless steel construction and porcelain-enameled grates resist rust, and the built-in temperature gauge (0-1000°F) gives you precise heat monitoring.
The rear-draw slant grease system channels drippings into a removable cup, keeping the interior cleaner than side-draw designs. The side shelf includes hidden tool hooks and a built-in SUS304 bottle opener—small touches that make hosting easier. Assembly takes about 90 minutes and the instructions are clear, though some units have arrived with shipping damage.
For buyers who want a gas grill with solid build quality and aren’t committed to the dual-fuel concept, this is a strong budget-friendly option. It doesn’t replace a charcoal side, but it handles the basics of searing and grilling with reliable performance and easy maintenance.
Why it’s great
- Sturdy stainless steel construction with rust-resistant grates
- Rear-draw grease system keeps the grill clean
- Clear assembly instructions and all parts included
Good to know
- Gas-only configuration; no charcoal option
- 373 sq. in. cooking area is smaller than many combo models
11. Grill Boss Charcoal Grill
The Grill Boss is a dedicated charcoal grill, not a dual-fuel unit, but it earns a spot here as a budget-conscious alternative for those who want to start with charcoal and add a gas side later. The 4-position height-adjustable charcoal tray gives you significant control over heat zones, and the porcelain-enameled cooking grates offer decent durability for the entry-level price point.
The large 32-inch cooking area with a warming rack is generous for the price, and the front-access door makes adding charcoal during long cooks easy without lifting the main grate. The built-in temperature gauge helps you monitor heat levels, though accuracy varies. Assembly takes a few hours solo, but the customer service team has been responsive about replacing damaged parts.
The main trade-offs are the thinner steel construction (expect about five years of life if kept covered) and the warming rack that can fall off if bumped. For pure charcoal enthusiasts on a tight budget, this is a functional, no-frills grill that handles basic smoking and grilling duties without breaking the bank.
Why it’s great
- 4-position adjustable charcoal tray for versatile heat control
- Front-access door allows easy charcoal refills mid-cook
- Large cooking area at a budget-friendly price point
Good to know
- Thinner steel construction limits long-term durability
- Warming rack can detach easily; requires careful handling
FAQ
Can I use the gas and charcoal sides at the same time on a combo grill?
How do I clean the charcoal side of a combo grill without damaging the gas components?
Is a 20,000 BTU gas side enough for searing steaks on a combo grill?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the gas and charcoal bbq grill winner is the MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 because it combines porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, independent dual-lid operation, and a side burner in a package that balances performance and price without corner-cutting. If you want true offset smoking capability, grab the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo. And for maximum cooking versatility including a flat-top griddle, nothing beats the Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus.
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.










