Have you ever stood in your backyard, hungry for a perfect steak, only to realize you ran out of propane in the middle of dinner? Nothing ruins a weekend barbecue faster than a fuel tank that hits empty at the worst possible moment. For many outdoor chefs, the struggle between the convenience of gas and the smoky flavor of charcoal feels like an impossible choice.
Choosing the right dual fuel grill can feel overwhelming. You might worry about the high price tags, the confusing assembly instructions, or whether these hybrid machines actually perform as well as dedicated single-fuel grills. With so many brands and features on the market, it is easy to feel stuck before you even turn a knob. You deserve a grill that gives you the best of both worlds without the headache of a complicated setup.
In this guide, we will break down exactly what you need to look for in a dual fuel grill. We will cover the essential features that matter most, help you weigh the pros and cons, and highlight the top models that actually deliver on their promises. By the time you finish reading, you will have the confidence to pick the perfect grill for your patio.
Ready to level up your grilling game? Let’s dive into the details and find the machine that will make you the hero of your next backyard cookout.
Top Dual Fuel Grill Recommendations
- Gas & Charcoal Combo: The dual-fuel grill with an attached offset smoker and a side burner provides the authentic charcoal flavor, the convenience of gas grilling, the rich smoky flavor and the versatility of cooking sides or sauces, all in one tidy package
- 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area: A total of 1020 sq. in. cooking area, including 666 sq. in. primary cooking area (333 sq. in. gas area & 333 sq. in. charcoal area), 157 sq. in. warming rack area and 197 sq. in. offset smoker area, holds up to 36 burgers simultaneously
- Offset Smoker: Used as either a traditional smoker or an extra charcoal grill, an attached offset smoker infuses meats with irresistible smoky flavor and provides optimal circulation of heat and smoke. A side door makes it a breeze to add charcoal and remove ashes
- Fast & Robust Heat: Featuring 2 stainless steel main burners (12,000 BTU each) and a side burner (10,000 BTU), this grill delivers 34,000 BTU robust power in total. Piezo ignition system makes it easier than ever to fire up the grill without the need for battery
- Height-adjustable Charcoal Pan: 3-level adjustable charcoal pan enhances heat regulation, allowing for versatile cooking styles like slow-cooking, searing and smoking. The max charcoal capacity of the charcoal grill and the offset smoker are 3.3 lb. and 1.5 lb
- 2-in-1 Combo Design: With the charcoal grill and 2-burner gas grill positioned side by side, this grill combines the capabilities of gas grill and charcoal grill, particularly suited for those who desire the versatility of both gas and charcoal cooking.
- Extra Prep Space: Two side shelves keep your grill tools, plates, and seasonings within arm’s reach, offering extra prep space. 3 hooks are integrated on both sides for hanging grill accessories.
- Easy to Move: Two 6-inch wheels and two 3-inch lockable casters make moving this combo grill to any outdoor space a breeze, creating the perfect grilling spot anytime, anywhere.
- No Fussy Cleanup: The cleanup process for the two sides is easy and quick: slide out the ash tray for hassle-free cleanup of the charcoal grill part and remove the large-capacity grease cup and grease tray for easy disposal of grease and residues from the gas grill part.
- Spacious Cooking Area: This combo grill features a generous 759 sq. in. total cooking area, including 592 sq. in. cooking grates and 167 sq. in. warming rack area. You can cook up 30 burgers at the same time.
- Propane Gas Grill & Charcoal Grill Combo: Owning this propane gas grill and charcoal grill combo means you can enjoy the convenience of gasgrilled dishes as well as the flavor of charcoalgrilled food. The charcoal grill and gas grill are independently controlled, and with a spacious 61inch long cooking counter, you can cook and enjoy delightful barbecue moments with family and friends
- Super Large Cooking Area: 520 sq.in. porcelainenameled cast iron primary cooking area plus 170 sq.in. stainless steel warm rack secondary cooking area consist in 690 sq.in, bbq cooking area, and the gas grill part and charcoal grill part are individually controllable, allowing you to use grill flexibly based on the type of your gathering, super suitable for your family and freinds parties
- Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grill Grate: We upgraded main cooking area grates into porcelainenameled cast iron grates, which combines trodditonal cast iron and enamel grates advantages heavy duty, nonstick, rust resistant and crack resistant. They will bring the cooking area more even heat when worked with the 3 stainless steel burners and enameled charcoal tray
- Easy to Clean: Below the grill chamber body, there are a grease tray for propane gas grill and a ash tray for charcoal grill, and the grease tray has been designed with a tilt so that the grease can flow directly into the hanging grease box below. Both of them are designed full sized and slideout, which means grilling cleaning much easier after BBQ time. REMINDER: Empty the grease tray regularly to prevent oil buildup and keep your grill performing at its best
- Our Service: Oversize of gas charcoal grill combo 23"D x 61”W x 46"H. Captiva Desings provides you with professional customer service both before and after your purchase of propane gas & charcoal grill combo. Please let us know if you have any problems , we will reponse you within 24 hours, you can rest assured that your investment will be protected
- Gas and charcoal combination grill with additional side burner for ultimate cooking versatility - Dual fuel grills, sometimes called combo grills or dual-function grills or multifuel grills, are a newer style of grill that combines the best of charcoal grilling along with the convenience of a gas grill in one
- 870 sq. in. of total cooking space - providing ample room for cooking large quantities of food
- Two stainless steel main burners - With two separate burners at your disposal, you have precise control over temperature zones, making it effortless to sear steaks on one side while slow-roasting tender ribs on the other side of the grill
- Powerful 24,000 BTU output on the gas side means you can get up to searing temperatures easily
- Easily dump your ashes and continue grilling with the convenient EasyDump Ash Pan. Spend less time cleaning, and more time grilling!
- AUTHENTIC BBQ, TWO-IN-ONE VERSATILITY: Smoke low-and-slow with indirect heat using charcoal and hardwood splits/chunks (sold separately) then grill fast on a 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane side (tank not included) that heats quickly, maintains even temperatures
- CROWD-READY CAPACITY: This charcoal smoker grill has a 750 sq in primary that lets you smoke up to 2 pork shoulders and grill up to 12 burgers
- BONUS FIREBOX GRILLING SPACE: 281 sq in firebox grate on this offset smoker grill fits up to 15 wings or 6 burgers
- PITMASTER-LEVEL TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers help maintain consistent temperatures and smoke flow on this smoker and grill combo
- QUICK HEAT, EVEN RESULTS: Unlike other gas grills, this charcoal smoker grill has 36,000 BTU to reach cooking temps fast and maintain even heat across the grates
- Charcoal & Gas Combo: The dual-fuel grill with a side burner offers unrivaled cooking versatility, allowing you to enjoy the smoky flavor of charcoal grilling, the ease and efficiency of gas grilling, and the convenience of cooking sides at the same time
- Spacious Cooking Area: A total of 823 sq. in. grilling area cooks up to 30 burgers simultaneously. 666 sq. in. primary cooking area (333 sq. in. gas area & 333 sq. in. charcoal area) heats up fast and evenly, while 157 sq. in. warming rack area keeps foods warm
- Fast & Robust Heat: Featuring 2 stainless steel main burners (12,000 BTU each) and a side burner (10,000 BTU), this grill delivers 34,000 BTU robust power in total. Piezo ignition system makes it easier than ever to fire up the grill without the need for battery
- Extra Prep & Storage Space: The right-side shelf keeps ingredients, seasonings, and tools within arm’s reach, while providing ample space for food preparation. The lid of the side burner can function as an added workspace for extended prep & storage space
- Easy Temperature Control: The charcoal side features a height-adjustable charcoal pan, a smoke stack and a side air vent to help with professional temperature control. Dual lid-mounted thermometers on each side offer precise temp monitoring in real time
- DUAL FUEL 3-IN-1 ELECTRIC, GRIDDLE + CHARCOAL: Powered by the dynamic Electric2Coal cooking system, this outdoor electric grill can seamlessly transform into an outdoor charcoal grill for those days when you’re craving that extra smoky flavor. BONUS: Add wood chunks to the charcoal rack to get even more smoke flavor!
- HIGH MAX TEMPERATURE: Easily reach searing temperatures as high as 650°F on this electric bbq grill, completely powered by (you guessed it) electricity.
- SPACE-EFFICIENT SIZE: No matter the property restrictions or size of your outdoor space, this small-footprint electic bbq grill will be the ideal fit and a sleek new addition.
- INCLUDED GRIDDLE: The included 210-square-inch stainless steel griddle can cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner for the whole family, and yet it’s small and light enough to easily wash in your kitchen sink.
- COOKING AREA: Enjoy 240-square-inches of primary cooking space to grill up to 12 burgers at a time. Easily multi-task and use the 80-square-inch warming rack to cook with indirect heat or to keep your food warm.
- Dual-Fuel Versatility (Gas & Charcoal): This combo grill features a gas grill side for quick weeknight cooking and a charcoal grill side for authentic BBQ flavor. The attached offset smoker adds rich smoke. A true 3-in-1 cooking system for charcoal lovers who want gas convenience
- Large Capacity (840 sq. in.): With a total cooking area of 840 square inches, this charcoal and gas grill combo fits 30 burgers at once. It includes a 568 sq. in. main cooking surface, a 131 sq. in. warming rack, and a 141 sq. in. offset smoker. Ideal for large family gatherings and backyard parties
- Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Cooking Grates: Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver superior heat retention and even searing. They lock in moisture and create restaurant-style sear marks on steaks and burgers. Durable and non-stick when seasoned, they ensure perfect heat transfer for quick searing on gas or low-and-slow smoking on charcoal.Resistant to rust and peeling
- True Offset Smoker for Authentic BBQ: Attached side firebox functions as both a traditional smoker and an extra charcoal grill. The offset design forces smoke and heat to flow horizontally across the meat, delivering that deep smoke ring and rich flavor. Features a side access door for easy charcoal adding and ash cleaning without lifting the cooking grate
- Easy Cleanup with Pull-Out Ash & Grease Trays: Designed for hassle-free maintenance, this grill includes a full-size removable ash tray for the charcoal side and offset smoker, plus a slide-out grease tray. Simply pull them out to dispose of ash and drippings—no tipping or scraping required. The grease management system also helps minimize flare-ups, keeping your barbecue experience cleaner from start to finish
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Dual Fuel Grill
A dual fuel grill gives you the best of both worlds. It combines the speed of gas with the rich, smoky taste of charcoal. If you love to grill, this machine offers total control over your backyard cooking. This guide will help you pick the perfect model for your patio.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check for these important features:
- Independent Cooking Zones: A good grill lets you use the gas side and charcoal side at the same time.
- Adjustable Charcoal Tray: Look for a tray that moves up and down. This helps you control the heat level near your food.
- Built-in Thermometers: You need to track the heat on both sides of the grill.
- Easy Cleaning Systems: Look for removable ash pans for charcoal and grease trays for gas.
Important Materials
The build quality determines how long your grill will last. Stainless steel is the gold standard because it resists rust. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are also excellent. They hold heat well and leave great sear marks on steaks. Avoid thin, painted metal, as it can peel or rust after one season.
Factors That Impact Quality
Several things change how well a grill performs. First, consider the lid seal. If the lid fits tightly, heat stays inside. This makes cooking faster and more even. Second, look at the airflow vents. High-quality vents allow you to control the oxygen for your charcoal. Finally, check the stability of the frame. A shaky grill is a safety risk and makes cooking difficult.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dual fuel grills are perfect for people who want options. Use the gas side for quick weeknight burgers or hot dogs. Switch to the charcoal side on the weekend when you have time for slow-cooked ribs or brisket. These grills also work well for large parties. You can sear meats on the gas side and keep side dishes warm on the charcoal side. This versatility makes them a favorite for families who love to entertain.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a dual fuel grill hard to clean?
A: It takes a little more time than a single-fuel grill. You must clean the charcoal ash and the gas grease tray separately.
Q: Can I use both sides at once?
A: Yes! You can sear on the gas side and finish slow-cooking on the charcoal side.
Q: Do I need a gas line for the grill?
A: Most models use a standard propane tank. Check your specific model to see if it needs a natural gas conversion kit.
Q: How long does the charcoal take to heat up?
A: Charcoal usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the right temperature. The gas side is ready in about 5 minutes.
Q: Are these grills heavy?
A: Yes, they are heavy because they have two cooking systems. Make sure you have a flat, stable spot for it.
Q: Can I use wood chips in a dual fuel grill?
A: Yes, you can add wood chips to the charcoal side for extra smoky flavor.
Q: Does the gas side help light the charcoal?
A: Many models have a “gas-to-charcoal” ignition feature. This lets you use the gas burners to light your charcoal quickly.
Q: How often should I clean the grates?
A: Scrub your grates after every use while they are still warm to keep them in top shape.
Q: Is a dual fuel grill good for beginners?
A: It is a great choice. You can learn the ropes with gas and experiment with charcoal as you gain confidence.
Q: Do these grills come with a cover?
A: Most do not. Buy a high-quality, weather-resistant cover to protect your investment from rain and sun.