5 Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills, According to Experts

Choosing a grill shouldn’t feel like picking a favorite child. Gas is quick, clean, and weeknight-friendly. Charcoal is smoky, dramatic, and makes your neighbors
suddenly remember they “love coming over.” A gas-and-charcoal combo grill is the peace treaty: one appliance that lets you sear burgers fast and still chase that
charcoal-kissed flavor when you’ve got time.

The catch? Combo grills are not all built the same. Some are true “side-by-side” rigs (gas on one side, charcoal or smoker on the other), while others are
premium hybrids that give you separate gas and charcoal zones under a unified, stainless-steel flex. Below are five expert-backed picks that cover different needs
from big backyard parties to tidy patios and full-on outdoor kitchens.

At a Glance: The 5 Expert Picks

• Best overall: Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo (gas + charcoal + smoker vibes in one lineup)
• Best value: Char-Griller Double Play (big capacity, useful extras, wallet doesn’t sob)
• Best built-in showpiece: Coyote Centaur 50″ Dual Fuel Hybrid (outdoor-kitchen energy)
• Best large capacity for hosting: Nexgrill Oakford 1150 Pro (gas + offset smoker = crowd control)
• Best with storage: Royal Gourmet ZH3002N (cabinet space for tools, trays, and your grill “stuff”)

How Experts Evaluate Gas + Charcoal Combo Grills

“Best” is more than shiny lids and heroic marketing photos. Expert testing and reviews typically focus on the stuff you actually feel while cooking:

• Heat performance: How hot it gets, how evenly it cooks, and whether it holds temperature when you open the lid.
• Control: Gas burner responsiveness, charcoal airflow/venting, and whether the grill helps you create two-zone cooking.
• Build quality: Lid fit, grate sturdiness, firebox durability, and whether parts look like they’ll survive more than one enthusiastic summer.
• Ease of use: Ignition reliability, access to the propane tank, ash cleanup, grease management, and whether assembly feels like a prank.
• Design practicality: Side shelves, storage, tool hooks, and whether the footprint fits your patio (or eats it).

In other words: the goal is a dual-fuel grill you’ll actually use in both modesbecause the only thing sadder than dry chicken is an unused charcoal side.

The 5 Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills

1) Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal/Gas Smoker & Grill (Best Overall)

If you want one appliance that can handle “Tuesday burgers” and “Saturday smoke session,” the Canyon Combo is built for that personality.
It’s arranged like a greatest-hits album: a propane gas grill, a charcoal cooking chamber, and a smoker/firebox setup that leans into low-and-slow flavor.

Why experts like it

• True versatility: Separate zones for quick gas grilling and charcoal/wood-style cooking.
• Made for groups: A large total cooking area makes it easier to run mains and sides without playing food Tetris.
• Smoker-friendly layout: You’re not just “adding smoke”you have a dedicated setup to chase real BBQ texture and flavor.

Best for

Hosts, hobbyists, and anyone who wants to grill fast sometimes but still dreams about smoke rings (or at least smoky ribs) on weekends.

What to know before you buy

• Footprint: This is not a “tiny-balcony” situation.
• Assembly: Multiple chambers = more parts. If your patience is seasonal, consider professional assembly if available.

Quick specs (high level)

• Type: Side-by-side multi-function combo (gas + charcoal + smoker-style setup)
• Total cooking space: About 1,031 sq. in. (varies by how racks are counted)
• Gas power: Listed around 36,000 BTU for the gas side

2) Char-Griller Double Play Gas & Charcoal Grill (Best Value)

The Double Play is a practical pick when you want gas convenience and charcoal flavor without paying “outdoor kitchen” prices.
Think of it as a two-lane highway: one side gets you up to temperature quickly, the other side lets you chase charcoal’s deeper flavor and better crust.

Why experts like it

• Big cooking real estate: Helpful for families and party cooking.
• Extra cooking option: Many configurations include a side burnergreat for warming sauce, sautéing onions, or saving indoor stovetop space.
• Charcoal control help: Adjustable charcoal grates/pans can make temperature management less guessy.

Best for

Grillers who want a versatile dual-fuel setup at a friendlier price, especially if you cook multiple items at once.

What to know before you buy

• Size & weight: It’s a substantial backyard unit.
• Maintenance matters: Like most combo grills, longevity improves a lot when you stay on top of cleaning and keep it covered.

Quick specs (high level)

• Type: Side-by-side gas + charcoal combo (often with side burner)
• Total cooking space: Commonly listed around 1,260 sq. in.
• BTU output: Listed in the 40,000–50,000+ BTU range depending on configuration and how totals are calculated

3) Coyote Centaur 50″ Dual Fuel Hybrid Grill (Best Built-In Showpiece)

This is the “I have an outdoor kitchen (or I’m building one)” choice. The Coyote Centaur is a premium dual-fuel hybrid with a dedicated gas side and a dedicated
charcoal sidebuilt to look sleek while giving you legitimate control on both fuels.

Why experts like it

• High-end construction: Stainless steel build designed for outdoor-kitchen environments.
• Real charcoal control: Adjustable charcoal trays and airflow dampers help you manage heat like a grown-up (without killing the fun).
• Gas convenience: Strong burner output for fast heat-up and consistent cooking.

Best for

People who grill a lot, care about materials, and want a centerpiece appliance that’s equally happy searing steaks or running a charcoal session.

What to know before you buy

• Cost: Premium is the point here. Budget shoppers should politely back away.
• Installation: Built-in units may require planning for cutouts, gas line setup, and overall outdoor-kitchen layout.

Quick specs (high level)

• Type: Premium hybrid dual-fuel (gas + charcoal zones)
• Gas power: Typically listed around 40,000 BTU
• Total cooking area: Often described as 1,200+ sq. in. depending on configuration

4) Nexgrill Oakford 1150 Pro Offset Smoker + Gas Grill (Best Large Capacity)

Want to grill on gas while smoking on charcoal/wood at the same time? That’s the Oakford’s whole personality. It pairs a propane gas grill with an offset smoker
setup, which is a classic way to build flavor while keeping temperature zones separate.

Why experts like it

• Host-ready size: A large surface area means fewer “batches” and more time actually hanging out.
• Offset smoker format: Great for slow cooking while you still have a gas side available for faster items.
• Weeknight-to-weekend range: Gas for speed, smoker side for projects.

Best for

People who entertain often, or anyone who wants to smoke meat with a more traditional offset-style setup while still having gas convenience.

What to know before you buy

• It’s big: Measure your space (and your storage plans) before you fall in love with the idea.
• Exterior wear: Some owners mention finish/paint durability issues over time. A cover and basic upkeep help.

Quick specs (high level)

• Type: Gas grill + offset charcoal smoker combo
• Gas power: Typically listed around 30,000 BTU for the gas side
• Cooking area: Often listed around 1,150 sq. in. (and sometimes higher when warming racks are included)

5) Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Gas + Charcoal Combo Grill (Best With Storage)

Some combo grills are built for big-time hosting. The ZH3002N is a more “keep it tidy and functional” pickespecially if you want cabinet storage so your tools
aren’t living on a chair like they pay rent.

Why experts like it

• Cabinet storage: Keeps accessories, charcoal tools, and pans in one place.
• Charcoal temperature help: An external crank-style adjustment system can make heat control easier than “open lid and hope.”
• Easy cleanup design: Separate grease/ash handling is a quality-of-life upgrade.

Best for

Smaller patios, organized grillers, and anyone who wants a dual-fuel setup that looks neat and keeps gear contained.

What to know before you buy

• Assembly: Some owners say instructions aren’t the clearestset aside time (and maybe snacks).
• Cooking space: It’s not the largest on this list, but it’s balanced and practical.

Quick specs (high level)

• Type: Side-by-side gas + charcoal combo with cabinet storage
• Gas burners: Two burners commonly listed around 20,000 BTU total
• Cooking space: About 296 sq. in. per side + warming rack space (varies by how you count racks)

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Dual-Fuel Grill

1) Pick your combo style

• Side-by-side combo: Separate chambers for gas and charcoal (and sometimes a smoker). This makes it easier to run different temps at the same time.
• Hybrid dual-fuel: Usually a premium build with dedicated fuel zones and more advanced airflow control. Great if you care about precision.

2) Decide what “charcoal” means to you

Some people just want charcoal flavor occasionally. Others want real airflow control, deeper smoke, and the ability to cook low-and-slow. If you’re in the second
group, look for a charcoal chamber that has vents/dampers and enough space to manage coals comfortably.

3) Cooking area isn’t just a number

Brands and retailers count cooking area differentlysome include warming racks, some don’t. Use square inches as a rough comparison, but also check:
grate layout, usable depth, and whether you can comfortably set up two-zone cooking.

4) Pay attention to cleanup and access

• Ash management: Removable ash pans and easy-dump systems save you time and mess.
• Grease management: Grease cups/trays reduce flare-ups and make cleaning less gross.
• Tank access: Front-access propane placement is a surprisingly big convenience.

5) Storage and work space are not “bonus” features

Side shelves, tool hooks, and cabinets matter because grilling involves trays, tongs, thermometers, sauces, and the mysterious “one extra plate” you always need.
If you grill often, these features feel less like accessories and more like sanity insurance.

Smart Ways to Use a Gas + Charcoal Combo Grill

• Make “speed nights” and “flavor nights”: Gas for quick meals; charcoal for weekends when you want crust, smoke, and a little ceremony.
• Use zones on purpose: Even on charcoal, set up a hot side and a cooler side so you can sear, then finish gently.
• Keep the lid closed more than you think: Every peek is a heat escape. Let the grill do its job.
• Clean as you go: A quick brush and emptying trays when things cool down is faster than “I’ll do it later” (famous last words).

FAQ

Are combo grills worth it?

They can beespecially if you genuinely plan to use both fuel types. If you only ever grill fast on weekdays, a great gas grill might be enough. If you love
smoky flavor but want convenience sometimes, dual fuel makes a lot of sense.

Do combo grills taste like charcoal?

When you’re cooking over charcoal (or charcoal + wood), yesflavor is the point. The gas side won’t magically become charcoal, but that’s why the combo format works:
you choose the experience you want that day.

What’s the biggest downside of combo grills?

Size and complexity. You’re essentially buying two cooking systems in one frame, which can mean more parts, more cleaning zones, and a bigger footprint.
Measure your space and be honest about how you grill.

Real-World Experiences: What It’s Like Owning a Combo Grill (500+ Words)

Here’s what tends to happen when you bring a gas-and-charcoal combo grill home: you start out with very noble intentions.
“Weeknights will be gas,” you say. “Weekends will be charcoal,” you declare. “I will become the kind of person who casually says ‘reverse sear’ at parties,” you whisper.

Then real life shows up wearing sweatpants. On Tuesday at 6:12 p.m., you’re hungry, the sun is doing that thing where it gets low and suddenly your backyard looks like
a moody movie scene, and you need dinner to happen fast. That’s where the gas side becomes your best friend. Push-button ignition, quick preheat, and suddenly you’re
cooking chicken thighs like you planned it all along. The gas side is the responsible adult in the relationship.

But the charcoal side? The charcoal side is your fun friend who texts, “You up?” at 9 p.m. on a Friday. It doesn’t care about speed. It cares about flavor.
The first time you cook over charcoal on a combo grill, you notice the difference: the smell, the deeper browning, the way foods taste like they were cooked outside
(which, technically, they wereyet somehow it feels like a bigger deal). Burgers get that extra edge. Corn tastes sweeter. Even basic hot dogs act like they’re
auditioning for a fancy backyard menu.

Then you discover the “combo grill effect” at gatherings. Someone shows up early and sees you cooking on gas and says, “Nice.” Someone else arrives later, catches a
whiff of charcoal smoke, and says, “Whoa, you’re really doing it.” Same cook. Same backyard. Different fuel. Different emotional reaction.
A combo grill is basically two levels of applause depending on which lid you open.

If your combo includes a smoker setup (like an offset-style chamber), ownership turns into a hobby. Not every weekendbut enough weekends that you start keeping notes.
You’ll learn that smoking isn’t hard so much as it is patient. You’ll learn that “just one more spritz” is often an excuse to stare at your food like it’s going to
reveal secrets. You’ll learn that friends suddenly volunteer to “help” the moment you say “brisket,” yet vanish the second you mention cleanup.

You’ll also learn the unsexy truth: combo grills reward basic upkeep. A cover isn’t optional if you want your grill to age gracefully. Ash trays and grease cups
are not “later” chores unless you enjoy the smell of old barbecue ghosts. And the fastest way to love your combo grill long-term is to treat it like two appliances:
keep each side clean, dry, and ready to go.

After a few months, a pattern usually emerges. Gas becomes your reliable weeknight workhorse. Charcoal becomes your “I want it to taste amazing” button.
And the whole reason a combo grill works is that it removes the guilt. You’re not betraying charcoal when you use gas on a busy day. You’re not overcomplicating life
when you light charcoal on a slow day. You’re just cookingsometimes fast, sometimes fancy, always outside, and usually with at least one person saying,
“Okay… this tastes really good.”

Conclusion

The best gas and charcoal combo grill is the one that matches how you actually cook. If you host big gatherings or want smoker capability, go larger and choose a design
with separate chambers. If you’re building an outdoor kitchen and want premium control, a high-end hybrid is worth the splurge. And if you want tidy storage and simple
versatility, a cabinet-style combo can be a surprisingly satisfying upgrade. Either way, you get the best of both worldswithout buying two separate grills.