Best picks

9 Best Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills (November 2026)

Updated on · By the BBQ Smokers Review team

The best gas and charcoal combo grills include the Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner for large backyard cooks, the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner for straightforward dual-fuel grilling, and the Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill for built-in smoking flexibility.

On this page (5 sections)
  1. The best gas and charcoal combo grills for different cooks
  2. How do gas and charcoal combo grills work?
  3. What should you check before buying a dual-fuel grill?
  4. How should you use and care for a gas and charcoal grill?
  5. Which gas and charcoal combo grill should you choose?

The best BBQ grill charcoal and gas pick for most large backyard cooks is the Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner. It gives you a 750 sq. in. primary cooking area, a 281 sq. in. firebox grate and a 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane side.

That split matters in daily use. The propane side suits quick weeknight meals when you want heat without waiting for coals.

The charcoal side suits slower weekend cooking when smoke and fire management are part of the point.

The 750 sq. in. primary area is described as enough for up to 2 pork shoulders or up to 12 burgers. The firebox grate adds up to 15 wings or 6 burgers in the listed capacity.

Those numbers help crowds, but they also point to a large unit. Measure the patio, the path to the yard and the storage area before you commit.

The 36,000 BTU output is listed for the 3-burner propane side. Three burners give more zone control than a single burner when food needs different heat.

Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers help manage temperature and smoke flow on the charcoal side. Dual lid-mounted gauges let you watch both sides without lifting a lid as often.

Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates hold heat for sear marks and resist rust. A removable firebox ash pan makes ash removal simpler after charcoal has cooled.

Heavy-gauge steel and a high-temp finish are listed for durability. Front and side shelves, a bottom shelf and tool hooks keep prep items close during longer cooks.

The trade is clear. You get a large, versatile cooking station, and you give up the smaller footprint of a single-fuel grill.

For current markdowns on charcoal-only models, see charcoal BBQ grill deals.

A gas and charcoal combo grill makes sense when you want quick propane cooking on some days and charcoal flavor on others. It also suits households where different people prefer different fuels.

If you are weighing a compact ceramic cooker, see whether a 13-inch kamado is worthwhile.

The trade-off is size: full-size dual-fuel units often need much more patio space than a single-fuel grill. Assembly, moving and covering a larger unit take more planning.

If you are comparing a different fuel setup, see our guide to the best propane grill smoker combo and our picks for the best electric smoker grill.

Start by sorting your space and your usual meals. Then match capacity, fuel control and cleanup to how often you actually cook outside.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner
    Best for large backyard cooks

    Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner
    Best for straightforward dual-fuel grilling

    Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill
    Best for built-in smoking flexibility

    Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4Griddle Grill Combo

    Griddle Grill Combo

    Best for mixed outdoor meals
    Check it
  2. 5Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

    Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

    Best for griddle flexibility
    Check it
  3. 6Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 Gas & CharcoalCheck it
  4. 7MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/Side

    MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/Side

    Best for separate cooking zones
    Check it
  5. 8Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal GrillCheck it
  6. 9Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo

    Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo

    Best for a side burner on a budget layout
    Check it

The best gas and charcoal combo grills for different cooks

The best dual-fuel grill depends on your cooking space, fuel habits and need for extra zones. The Oklahoma Joe's leads for capacity, while smaller picks focus on patio fit or meal flexibility.

Our score weighs listed specs, features and buyer feedback against what people shopping for a gas and charcoal combo grill need. We checked the product information and compared cooking area, fuel control, extra burners, smoker functions and cleanup features.

ProductBest forCooking areaGas powerSizeOur score
Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burnerlarge backyard cooks1,031 sq. in.36,000 BTU, 3 burners35.6 x 68.9 x 50.8 in.9.7
Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burnerstraightforward dual-fuel grilling870 sq. in.24,000 BTU, 2 burners53.9 x 26.2 x 46.9 in.9.6
Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grillbuilt-in smoking flexibility1,020 sq. in.34,000 BTU total23.35 x 67.72 x 46.22 in.9.6
Griddle Grill Combomixed outdoor meals448 sq. in.4 main burners and 9,000 BTU side burner14.76 x 48.15 x 44.69 in.9.1
Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combogriddle flexibility720 sq. in.8.8 kW22 x 64 x 42 in.8.9
Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 Gas & Charcoalsmall patios240 sq. in.23 x 32.8 x 39.6 in.8.5
MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/Sideseparate cooking zones690 sq. in.37,000 BTU, 3 burners23 x 61 x 46 in.8.4
Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grillcabinet-style storage690 sq. in.11 kW, 3 burners23 x 61 x 46 in.8.1
Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Comboa side burner on a budget layout690 sq. in.28,650 BTU plus 8,530 BTU side burner23 x 61 x 46 in.7.9
1

Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner: Best for large backyard cooks

Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner, gas and charcoal combo grills
9.7/10Our score
  • 1,031 sq. in. cooking area
  • 36,000 BTU 3-burner propane side
  • 750 sq. in. primary cooking area
  • 281 sq. in. firebox grate
  • Removable firebox ash pan

This large dual-fuel smoker and grill gives you a propane side for quick cooking and a charcoal smoker side for low-and-slow barbecue. Its 750 sq. in. primary area and 281 sq. in. firebox grate suit larger gatherings.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Largest cooking area here
  • Charcoal smoker and propane grill in one unit
  • Dual temperature gauges and adjustable dampers

Cons

  • Large footprint
  • Propane tank and smoking wood are separate purchases

The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo is the strongest choice when you want one unit for large cooks and low-and-slow barbecue. Its 1,031 sq. in. total cooking area includes a 750 sq. in. primary area and a 281 sq. in. firebox grate.

The propane side has 3 burners with 36,000 BTU. The charcoal side supports smoking with charcoal and hardwood splits or chunks, which are sold separately.

For grills built around lump fuel, compare lump charcoal grill options.

The primary area can smoke up to 2 pork shoulders or grill up to 12 burgers. The firebox grate adds room for up to 15 wings or 6 burgers.

Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers help manage smoke flow and temperature. Dual lid-mounted gauges let you monitor both sides, while the removable firebox ash pan makes ash cleanup easier.

Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates hold heat and resist rust. The unit measures 35.6 x 68.9 x 50.8 in., so measure your patio, storage path and cover area before choosing it.

Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-BurnerCheck it on Amazon
2

Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner: Best for straightforward dual-fuel grilling

Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner, gas and charcoal combo grills
9.6/10Our score
  • 870 sq. in. total cooking space
  • 24,000 BTU gas output
  • 2 stainless steel main burners
  • EasyDump ash pan
  • Electronic ignition

The Char-Griller balances a roomy 870 sq. in. cooking area with 2 gas burners, charcoal cooking and an ash pan. It fits cooks who want dual fuel without the larger smoker layout.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Large cooking area
  • Electronic ignition
  • Dual temperature gauges

Cons

  • Less cooking space than the Oklahoma Joe's
  • No offset smoker section listed

The Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner is a good fit if you want a simpler dual-fuel layout with plenty of grate space. Its 870 sq. in. cooking area gives you room for larger meal loads without adding an offset smoker section.

Two stainless steel main burners produce 24,000 BTU on the gas side. Separate burners let you manage more than one heat zone, which helps when some food needs faster cooking and other food needs slower heat.

The charcoal side adds a different cooking method for weekend barbecue. An EasyDump ash pan helps remove cooled ash, and the electronic ignition starts the gas side with a button push.

Dual temperature gauges help you watch both sides. Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates provide the cooking surface, and the side shelf adds prep room with utensil hooks.

At 53.9 x 26.2 x 46.9 in., this is still a full-size outdoor grill. Pick it when the 870 sq. in. area and basic two-burner setup are more useful than a built-in smoker.

Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-BurnerCheck it on Amazon
3

Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill: Best for built-in smoking flexibility

Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill, gas and charcoal combo grills
9.6/10Our score
  • 1,020 sq. in. cooking area
  • 34,000 BTU total output
  • Attached offset smoker
  • 10,000 BTU side burner
  • 3-level adjustable charcoal pan

This Grills House combo adds an offset smoker and side burner to its gas and charcoal layout. The 1,020 sq. in. cooking area gives you room to grill, smoke and prepare sides in one setup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Offset smoker adds another cooking zone
  • Side burner for sauces or sides
  • Adjustable charcoal pan

Cons

  • Large footprint
  • Charcoal capacity is limited to 3.3 lb. on the grill and 1.5 lb. in the smoker

The Grills House ZH3005Y suits cooks who want a combo grill with a dedicated offset smoker. Its 1,020 sq. in. cooking area includes a 666 sq. in. primary area, a 157 sq. in. warming rack and a 197 sq. in. offset smoker area.

The primary section divides into a 333 sq. in. gas area and a 333 sq. in. charcoal area. The unit also includes a side burner for sauces or side dishes.

Two stainless steel main burners produce 12,000 BTU each, and the side burner adds 10,000 BTU for 34,000 BTU total. A Piezo ignition system lights the gas burners without a battery.

The charcoal pan adjusts to 3 levels for different heat positions. Its stated maximum charcoal capacity is 3.3 lb. in the grill and 1.5 lb. in the offset smoker.

The 23.35 x 67.72 x 46.22 in. body needs a long, clear placement area. Choose it when the offset smoker and side burner matter more than a smaller footprint.

Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal GrillCheck it on Amazon
4

Griddle Grill Combo: Best for mixed outdoor meals

Griddle Grill Combo, gas and charcoal combo grills
9.1/10Our score
  • 4-in-1 grill, griddle, charcoal and stovetop setup
  • 448 sq. in. total cooking area
  • 40,000 BTU main output
  • 9,000 BTU side burner
  • Slide-out grease tray

This GRILL DEPOTS unit is for cooks who want more than a standard gas and charcoal grill. Its griddle, cast iron grates, dual charcoal pans and side burner cover breakfast, barbecue and sides.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Grill, griddle, charcoal and stovetop functions
  • 4 main burners
  • Prep space and tool hooks

Cons

  • Smaller cooking area than the larger combo grills
  • The product data gives different total BTU figures

The GRILL DEPOTS Griddle Grill Combo is the most flexible pick for cooks who want breakfast, barbecue and side-dish options from one outdoor unit. Its 4-in-1 design combines cast-iron grates, a stainless steel griddle, dual charcoal pans and a side burner.

The main cooking zone measures 339 sq. in., with a 108 sq. in. warming zone for 448 sq. in. total. Four 10,000 BTU main burners handle the main area, and the side burner is rated at 9,000 BTU.

The griddle suits pancakes and smash burgers, while cast-iron grates suit steaks and burgers. The side burner works with pots, woks or simmering sauces.

Removable grates and a slide-out grease tray help with cleanup. Side tables, tool hooks, a bottle opener and a propane tank holder add workspace around the grill.

The product data gives both 49,000 BTU and 40,000 BTU total figures. Treat the burner breakdown as the clearer guide and confirm the final specification before ordering.

Griddle Grill ComboCheck it on Amazon
5

Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo: Best for griddle flexibility

Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo, gas and charcoal combo grills
8.9/10Our score
  • 720 sq. in. cooking area
  • Included cast iron griddle
  • 3 burners
  • Foldable side tables
  • Slide-out ash tray and grease collector

The Flintex combines gas and charcoal cooking with an included griddle that turns the gas side into a breakfast or smash-burger station. Foldable side tables make its 64 in. width easier to manage in storage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Included griddle
  • Front charcoal door and height-adjustable tray
  • Foldable side tables

Cons

  • The product data describes the fuel type inconsistently
  • Wide footprint when the tables are extended

The Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo suits cooks who want an included griddle and a larger cooking surface. Its 720 sq. in. area is described as enough for up to 36 four-inch burgers and meals for 8 to 12 guests.

The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates handle regular grilling. Remove 2 grate sections and place the included cast-iron griddle on the gas side for eggs, pancakes or smash burgers.

A front charcoal door lets you add fuel without lifting the grates. The charcoal tray adjusts with a side crank, and an air vent helps change the fire from slower cooking to hotter searing.

The grill has 3 burners and a stated heating power of 8.8 kW. Foldable side tables reduce the width from 64 to 48 in. for storage.

The product information describes the fuel type inconsistently, so verify the final fuel configuration before ordering. Choose this model when the griddle and folding tables solve real space or meal-planning needs.

Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill ComboCheck it on Amazon
6

Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 Gas & Charcoal: Best for small patios

Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 Gas & Charcoal, gas and charcoal combo grills
8.5/10Our score
  • 240 sq. in. primary cooking area
  • Gas burner lights charcoal
  • Up to 750°F
  • 1 main burner
  • Compact patio and balcony design

The Charbroil Bistro Pro keeps dual-fuel cooking compact. Its 240 sq. in. primary area can hold up to 12 burgers, making it a practical choice for smaller outdoor spaces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Small footprint
  • Gas burner can light charcoal
  • High heat claim up to 750°F

Cons

  • Least cooking area in this roundup
  • Only 1 main burner

The Charbroil Bistro Pro is the best fit for a small patio or balcony where a full-size grill would be difficult to place. For another compact cooker comparison, see the smallest Kamado Joe BBQ.

Its 240 sq. in. primary cooking area can hold up to 12 burgers.

This compact unit uses gas and charcoal cooking in one grill. The gas burner can light charcoal on the built-in rack, which avoids using lighter fluid for that changeover.

The gas side reaches temperatures up to 750°F according to the product information. A single main burner keeps the layout simple, but it also gives you less room for separate gas heat zones.

The grill measures 23 x 32.8 x 39.6 in. and weighs 51 lb. Its stainless steel frame and black finish suit a smaller outdoor cooking area.

Pick it when patio size matters most. For larger family meals, the 240 sq. in. primary area will be more limiting than the fuel choice.

Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 Gas & CharcoalCheck it on Amazon
7

MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/Side: Best for separate cooking zones

MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/Side, gas and charcoal combo grills
8.4/10Our score
  • 690 sq. in. cooking area
  • 3 stainless steel burners
  • 37,000 BTU
  • Side burner
  • Slide-out grease tray and ash drawer

MFSTUDIO gives you independent gas and charcoal areas, plus a side burner for sauces or side dishes. Its 520 sq. in. primary area and 170 sq. in. warming rack fit family cooking.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Independent cooking zones
  • Side burner
  • Grease tray and ash drawer

Cons

  • Large 61 in. width
  • 20 lb. LP cylinder is not included

MFSTUDIO is a strong option if you want separate gas and charcoal areas plus a side burner. The 690 sq. in. cooking area includes 520 sq. in. of primary space and a 170 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack.

Three stainless steel burners provide 37,000 BTU. The side burner gives you another place to prepare sauces or side dishes while food cooks under the main lids.

An adjustable enameled charcoal tray lets you change the charcoal position. Stainless steel thermometers sit in the double-layer lids, so you can check general heat without opening the covers.

A slide-out grease tray serves the gas section, and an ash drawer serves the charcoal section. Two metal swivel casters and 2 metal wheels help move the 23 x 61 x 46 in. grill.

The grill works with a 20 lb. LP gas cylinder, which is not included.

Choose it when you want broad cooking space and separate fuel areas in one cabinet-style unit.

MFSTUDIO Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo w/SideCheck it on Amazon
8

Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill: Best for cabinet-style storage

Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill, gas and charcoal combo grills
8.1/10Our score
  • 690 sq. in. cooking area
  • 3 burners
  • 11 kW heating power
  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
  • Full-size grease and ash trays

Captiva Designs matches the 690 sq. in. layout of several larger combo grills and adds a cabinet configuration. The gas and charcoal sections operate independently for different foods and heat levels.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Independent fuel sections
  • Cabinet configuration
  • Slide-out grease and ash trays

Cons

  • Large footprint
  • No side burner listed

Captiva Designs gives you a cabinet-style gas and charcoal grill with independent cooking sections. Its 690 sq. in. cooking area includes a 520 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast-iron primary area and a 170 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack.

Three burners provide 11 kW of heating power on the gas side. The independent charcoal section lets you use the fuel method that fits the food without changing the whole grill.

The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates combine cast iron with an enameled surface. A full-size grease tray serves the propane side, while a full-size ash tray handles the charcoal section.

The grill measures 23 x 61 x 46 in. and includes an adapter hose, lid, thermometer, tool holder and user manual. The 61 in. width needs a planned patio location.

Choose Captiva Designs if the cabinet format, independent zones and full-size cleanup trays matter more than a side burner or smoker section.

Captiva Designs Propane Gas and Charcoal GrillCheck it on Amazon
9

Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo: Best for a side burner on a budget layout

Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo, gas and charcoal combo grills
7.9/10Our score
  • 690 sq. in. cooking area
  • 3 stainless steel burners
  • 28,650 BTU gas side
  • 8,530 BTU side burner
  • Adjustable charcoal tray

Sophia & William provides the same broad 690 sq. in. cooking layout as the other full-size cabinet picks, with a side burner and crank-adjusted charcoal tray. It suits cooks who want room for food and sauces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Side burner
  • Adjustable charcoal tray
  • Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates

Cons

  • Lower score for fewer listed control details
  • 20 lb. propane tank is not included

Sophia & William is another full-size cabinet option with a side burner and adjustable charcoal tray. Its 690 sq. in. cooking area includes 520 sq. in. of primary cooking space and a 170 sq. in. warming rack.

Three stainless steel burners provide 28,650 BTU, while the side burner adds 8,530 BTU. The side burner suits simmering barbecue sauce or sautéing vegetables while the main food cooks.

A crank handle raises and lowers the charcoal tray. Porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates and a porcelain-enamel flame tamer help the cooking zones hold and spread heat.

The full-size ash tray pushes out for cleanup, and the grease tray slides out with a cup for collected drippings. The grill measures 23 x 61 x 46 in.

A standard 20 lb. propane tank is not included, while the hose and regulator are included. Pick this model when you want a side burner and a large cooking counter at a lower score tier.

Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill ComboCheck it on Amazon

How do gas and charcoal combo grills work?

Gas and charcoal combo grills use separate areas or one shared area that supports both fuels. Gas gives quick startup and adjustable burner heat, while charcoal takes more fire management and adds a smoky method.

The appeal is choice without owning two grills. You can light gas for a fast dinner and save charcoal for a longer cook.

Separate areas make that choice easier to use. One side can hold steady gas heat while the other runs a charcoal fire.

Independent sections suit different foods at different temperatures. Burgers can cook over gas while ribs or vegetables use charcoal heat.

Separate lids help when foods finish at different times. You can keep one side covered while checking or serving the other.

Some models add an offset smoker, adjustable charcoal pan, griddle or side burner. Each extra feature changes what the grill does best.

An offset smoker adds a dedicated smoking zone. It pays off if you plan low-and-slow cooks often enough to use that space.

An adjustable charcoal pan changes the distance between coals and food. Raising or lowering it can shift a cook between direct and gentler heat.

A griddle turns the gas side into a flat surface for eggs, pancakes or smash burgers. It suits breakfast and mixed meals more than pure barbecue.

A side burner adds room for sauces, sides or a pot. That can keep the main grates free for the main course.

Those extras also add width, parts and cleaning. More zones can mean more ash, more grease paths and more surfaces to wipe down.

Gas control is usually simpler to learn. Burner knobs respond quickly, and a lid thermometer gives a general guide to heat.

Charcoal control takes more patience, since vents, dampers and tray position change airflow. The fire needs time to react to each change.

Cleanup splits by fuel as well. Ash needs a full cool-down before removal, while grease from gas cooking needs regular tray attention.

Dry storage and a cover help protect grates, burners and painted or enameled surfaces on both sides.

If you are unsure which method fits your routine, compare the gas grill vs smoker guide before choosing a larger combo unit.

Pick the fuel you will use most, then treat the second fuel as a bonus. That keeps the choice tied to your actual habits.

What should you check before buying a dual-fuel grill?

Start with the space available, then compare cooking area, burner layout and charcoal controls. A 61 in. grill may fit a crowd but still be hard to move through a narrow gate or store under a cover.

Check more than width. Measure depth, lid clearance, side shelf room and the route you will use to move the grill into place.

Cooking area tells you how much food fits at once. It does not always show how easily you can cook different foods at different temperatures.

Burner layout shapes gas cooking. Two or three burners can create zones for searing, indirect cooking and keeping food warm.

Charcoal controls shape the other side. A tray crank, vents or dampers let you adjust heat without constantly lifting grates.

Also check whether the gas and charcoal sections operate independently. Separate zones let burgers cook over gas while vegetables or ribs use charcoal heat.

Separate lids help too, since you can open one side for serving while the other keeps cooking.

Basic models may ask you to switch fuels in one area. That design can be simpler and smaller, but it limits simultaneous cooking.

Match cleanup to how often you cook. Removable ash pans, slide-out grease trays and front charcoal doors can cut post-cook work, but they still need regular emptying.

An ash tray is only easy if you wait until coals are cool. Build that wait into your routine before dumping ash.

A grease tray needs checks during fatty cooks. Grease buildup can make later cleanup harder and can affect the gas side.

A front charcoal door can help with refueling. It may reduce grate lifting, but it does not remove the need to handle hot fuel carefully.

Confirm fuel requirements before ordering. Propane tanks and smoking wood are not always included, and some models list different fuel descriptions or BTU figures.

Check included parts for ignition, hoses, regulators and thermometers. Those contents differ by model, so read them before you buy.

Think about care as well. Cast-iron grates hold heat well and need drying and seasoning care as directed.

Porcelain-enameled surfaces still need regular wiping and inspection after greasy or smoky cooks.

Large grills also need assembly room. Plan a flat area with space to attach shelves, lids and trays safely.

Finally, match the grill to your menu. A smoker zone suits low-and-slow cooking, while a griddle or side burner suits breakfast and sides.

How should you use and care for a gas and charcoal grill?

Set the grill on a stable outdoor surface with the clearance required by its instructions. Keep propane equipment, charcoal and smoking wood handled according to the unit's safety directions.

Preheat the gas side before cooking, then use the lid thermometer or built-in gauges to watch heat. For charcoal cooking, adjust the tray, vents or dampers gradually so the fire has time to respond.

Let charcoal and ash cool fully before emptying a tray or drawer. Clean grease from the gas section, brush or wipe the grates as directed, and keep burners, vents and smoke paths clear.

A combo grill can also benefit from a cover and dry storage area when it is not in use. The Oklahoma Joe's and Grills House models are especially large, so plan storage before assembly.

For a project that combines a smoker and grill in a different way, read how to make a smoker grill. If you prefer electric heat, see the best electric smoker grill guide.

Which gas and charcoal combo grill should you choose?

Choose the Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo if you want the highest capacity, a propane grill side and a charcoal smoker in one large unit. Choose the Char-Griller Dual-Function if you want a simpler 2-burner layout with 870 sq. in. of space.

The Oklahoma Joe's fits large backyard meals. Its listed total is 1,031 sq. in., with a 750 sq. in. primary area and a 281 sq. in. firebox grate.

That room suits pork shoulders, burgers and wings in one session. The trade-off is a large footprint and more fire management on the charcoal side.

The Char-Griller fits a more straightforward routine. Its 870 sq. in. area gives room for family meals without an offset smoker layout.

Two burners provide 24,000 BTU on the gas side. That setup can handle separate heat zones, but it offers less flexibility than a 3-burner model.

Electronic ignition and dual gauges make it easier for regular cooking. The EasyDump ash pan also suits cooks who want simpler ash removal.

Pick the Grills House ZH3005Y when an offset smoker and side burner matter. Choose the Charbroil Bistro Pro when your patio or balcony can only handle a compact grill.

The Grills House adds a 197 sq. in. offset smoker area to a 1,020 sq. in. total layout. That extra zone suits smoking without giving up gas and charcoal grilling.

Its side burner adds 10,000 BTU for sauces or sides, while the main burners add 24,000 BTU. The listed total is 34,000 BTU.

The trade-off is length and charcoal capacity, listed at 3.3 lb. in the grill and 1.5 lb. in the smoker.

The Charbroil Bistro Pro is the smallest fit here. Its 240 sq. in. primary area is listed for up to 12 burgers, which suits small gatherings rather than large parties.

One main burner keeps operation simple. Gas can light charcoal on the built-in rack, avoiding lighter fluid for that changeover.

For mixed meals, the GRILL DEPOTS model adds griddle and stovetop functions. MFSTUDIO, Captiva Designs and Sophia & William suit full-size independent gas and charcoal sections.

Those full-size models share a 690 sq. in. layout in the listed data. They suit family cooking where separate fuel areas matter more than an offset smoker, while the last picks add cabinet styling or a side burner.

Choose by space first, then by menu. Let capacity, compact size, smoking, griddle cooking or a side burner drive the final pick.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner
    Best for large backyard cooks

    Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo Dual Fuel 3-Burner

    9.7/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner
    Best for straightforward dual-fuel grilling

    Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill
    Best for built-in smoking flexibility

    Grills House ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill

    9.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is a gas and charcoal combo grill?

A gas and charcoal combo grill combines separate gas and charcoal cooking areas in one outdoor unit. Gas gives you quick heat and simple control, while charcoal adds a smoky cooking method.

Some models also include an offset smoker, griddle or side burner.

Are combo grills good for large gatherings?

Yes, larger combo grills can suit gatherings because they offer separate cooking zones and more total grate space. The Oklahoma Joe's Canyon Combo has 1,031 sq. in. of cooking area, while the Grills House model has 1,020 sq. in.

Check the full footprint before choosing one.

Can you use gas and charcoal at the same time?

Some dual-fuel grills are designed with separate gas and charcoal areas that can operate independently, while others focus on switching between fuel types. MFSTUDIO, Captiva Designs and Sophia & William describe separate cooking sections.

Follow the model's instructions for safe operation.

What should you clean after using a dual-fuel grill?

Remove ash only after charcoal has fully cooled, then empty the ash tray or pan. Clean grease from the gas section, wipe the grates as directed, and check that vents and burners are clear before the next cook.