Best Combo Grills: Gas and Charcoal Dual Fuel Models for Every Backyard in 2026
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The best combo grills put gas burners and a charcoal chamber in one frame. See how size, build, side burners and smoker boxes affect your backyard cooking.
A combo grill answers a familiar argument: gas for speed and convenience, charcoal for flavor. Most models place a row of propane burners next to a charcoal chamber, so you can sear a steak over coals on Saturday and grill dinner in ten minutes on Tuesday. The best combo grills do both jobs well, which is harder than it sounds, because the gas side and the charcoal side share a frame, a lid and a footprint.
The product table above covers dual fuel grills from entry level to premium, with variations that add side burners, offset smoker boxes and griddles. This guide explains how those parts work together and what to check before you commit to one.
How the Best Combo Grills Work
Two Cooking Zones in One Frame
Gas burners sit on one side with knobs and igniters, and a charcoal tray sits on the other side with a height adjustable grate in some models. You light each side separately and cook on one or both. The solid center divider or lid design affects how well each side holds heat, so compare the shape of the lid and the number of vents.
Switching Between Fuels
Switching is easy but not instant. Gas lights with a push button, while charcoal needs time to ash over, usually twenty minutes with a chimney starter. Plan ahead on charcoal days, and keep the gas side for quick meals.
Adding a Smoker Box or Offset Firebox
Many combo grills include a side firebox for smoking. Real low and slow smoking depends on how well the firebox seals and how the heat flows across the grate. Treat the smoker as a bonus on most combo grills, unless it is a primary feature.
Features That Separate Good From Average
Steel Thickness and Build
Thicker steel holds heat better and lasts longer, and thin steel warps and rusts early. Check the weight in the listing, because heavier grills are usually built better. A porcelain or powder coat finish helps resist rust, but it still needs a cover.
Burner Output and Number of Burners
Two burner models are fine for small groups, and three burner models give more room for zones of heat. Look at BTU numbers for context but focus on how evenly the heat spreads. A side burner is useful for sauces and sides.
Grates and Cooking Area
Cast iron and porcelain coated grates sear well, while thin chrome grates wear faster. Cooking area is quoted in square inches, so compare numbers across models. Remember that the charcoal side usually has a smaller area than the gas side.
Living With a Combo Grill
Expect a little more upkeep than a pure gas grill, because ash and grease need cleaning. Empty the ash catcher after every charcoal session, and brush grates while they are warm. Cover the grill when it is not in use, and check gas hoses and connections before the season starts.
If you want more detail, see our guides to the best outdoor combo grills, the best bbq combo grills and the best grills and smoker combo. Pellet fans should read the best pellet combo grills page.
Matching a Grill to How You Cook
Weeknight Cooks
If most meals are burgers, chicken and vegetables after work, gas will do ninety percent of the cooking. Pick a model with strong, evenly spaced burners and an easy igniter. The charcoal side then becomes a weekend treat.
Weekend Flavor Chasers
Cooks who love smoky steaks and ribs should prioritize the charcoal chamber, its grate height and the airflow vents. A sturdy lid and a solid firebox seal matter more than extra burners. Look at photos of the charcoal side and check that it has a reasonable depth.
Hosting Groups
For parties, a bigger cooking area and a side burner pay off. You can keep a pot of beans simmering while you grill. Check that the side shelves can hold platters and tools, and that the grill has storage underneath for propane and charcoal.
Fuel Cost and Storage
Propane and charcoal cost differently, and your use pattern decides which is cheaper. A tank lasts through many short cooks, while charcoal bags go quickly on long cooks. Keep charcoal dry in a sealed bin, and store propane tanks upright outdoors as the manufacturer directs.
Safety and Setup Basics
Set the grill on a flat, non combustible surface well away from walls, railings and overhanging branches. Check every gas connection with a soapy water solution before the first use, and watch for bubbles. Never leave a lit grill unattended, and keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand close.
Read the assembly manual from start to finish before you open the hardware bags. Tighten bolts again after the first few cooks, because heat cycles loosen them a little. Season the grates with a light coat of oil and let them heat, as the instructions describe.
Quick Buyer Checklist
- Do you want two or three gas burners next to the charcoal side?
- Does the grill include a side burner or smoker box?
- Is the steel thick, and is the finish designed to resist rust?
- Does the cooking area suit the number of people you feed?
- Are grates cast iron or porcelain coated?
- Can you reach the ash catcher and grease tray easily?
- Is assembly clearly explained, and are replacement parts available?
Red Flags to Watch For
- No weight listed for a large grill.
- Reviews that describe thin, warped lids.
- Missing information about the grate material.
- Hoses and regulators that are not included.
- Grills with very low prices and no warranty information.
Care Tips
Brush the grates after every cook while they are warm. Empty ash once it has cooled, because wet ash causes rust. Check the gas hose for cracks and the burners for clogs once each season, and use a fitted cover to protect the finish.
FAQ
Can I use both sides at once?
Yes. Many cooks sear on the gas side and finish over charcoal, or use gas for sides while meat cooks over coals.
Do combo grills smoke well?
Models with a good firebox can, but a dedicated smoker will usually do better. Treat the smoker feature as a bonus.
Are combo grills harder to assemble?
They have more parts than single fuel grills. Set aside an afternoon and ask a helper to hold heavy panels.
Think about the foods you cook most, the space on your patio and the upkeep you will accept. Then use the product table above to compare the best combo grills by build and features.
