Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.9 Best BBQ Grill Gas And Charcoal | Gas or Charcoal? Why Not Both

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The Canyon Combo is the only model on this list with a true offset smoker firebox integrated into the dual-fuel design — this isn’t a bolt-on smoke box but a dedicated chamber with its own damper system that lets 281 square inches of firebox grate double as extra grilling space. The 36,000 BTU three-burner propane side reaches cooking temps fast and maintains even heat across porcelain-coated cast-iron grates that resist rust better than bare steel. Dual lid-mounted gauges give real-time temp monitoring for both chambers, so you’re not guessing when the brisket stalls.

Heavy-gauge steel construction with a high-temp finish gives the frame durability that thinner budget combos lack, and the removable firebox ash pan simplifies cleanup after long smokes. The adjustable firebox damper combined with the smokestack damper gives genuine pit-master control over airflow — you can hold 225°F for hours without babysitting the fire every ten minutes. At 68.9 inches wide, this is a substantial footprint that demands dedicated patio space.

The charcoal side does require more active fire management than gas-only users might expect — stoking the firebox every 25-30 minutes is part of the offset smoker experience. Some owners report the front temperature gauge reads slightly hot on the far side of the cooking surface, but overall thermal performance is consistent for home use. This is the best choice for anyone who wants genuine low-and-slow offset smoking alongside propane convenience in one unit.

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The Flex Fuel Plus takes versatility further than any other model reviewed here by including a pre-seasoned flat-top griddle that swaps directly onto the gas side grates, turning the grill into a breakfast station for bacon, pancakes, or fajitas without losing the charcoal smoker functionality. The three stainless steel burners on the gas side push 30,000 BTU, and the automatic ignition lights the flame with a single button push. With 1,260 total cooking square inches, this is the largest cooking platform in the group, spread across the gas main chamber, charcoal side, and warming areas.

The charcoal side features an adjustable charcoal tray for temperature management, and dual dampers let you control smoke levels for low-and-slow cooking. Build quality is mixed — the frame uses painted metal that isn’t as thick as premium offset smokers, and some units arrived with surface rust on sheet metal components before assembly. The griddle is the standout feature here: remove the gas side grates, drop in the flat top, and you’ve instantly expanded your cooking methods beyond grilling and smoking.

Assembly is labor-intensive with many parts, and an impact driver is recommended for the bolts. The grease management system works well for the gas side, but the charcoal chamber cleanup requires more effort than models with slide-out ash drawers. Despite the build concerns, the sheer cooking area and griddle flexibility make this a compelling choice for families who want one station that does everything from weekday breakfast to weekend brisket.

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The GREEN PARTY 3-Burner stands out for its crank-operated height-adjustable charcoal pan, a mechanical advantage that lets you fine-tune the distance between charcoal and food without lifting the lid or burning your hands. The gas side delivers 37,000 BTU across three separate main burners plus a side burner, giving you four independently controlled cooking zones total. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the primary 685 square inch cooking area provide the heat retention of cast iron with a non-stick, rust-resistant enamel surface that holds up well to frequent use.

The charcoal side also features lid-mounted dampers and an invisible front air vent that promote better airflow while minimizing heat loss during cooking — leave the front vent open for higher flame or close it down for low-and-slow smoking. The grease management system funnels drippings into a removable cup on the gas side, while the ash collection system on the charcoal side slides out for direct disposal. Some users report uneven heating on the gas side burners, with the front of the grill running cooler than the back, which can be problematic when searing across the full surface.

Assembly takes roughly three hours for one person, largely due to the grill’s size and the number of components, but the instructions are clear and the build quality feels solid once assembled. The side burner is useful for sauces or sides, though it sits on the right side which may conflict with prep space depending on your setup. Overall, this is a well-balanced dual-fuel platform for someone who wants precise charcoal temperature control without upgrading to a separate smoker.

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The MFSTUDIO 3 In 1 uses thickened porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for the entire 520 square inch primary cooking area, which gives you the heat retention of traditional cast iron but with a non-stick enamel surface that resists rust and cracks better than uncoated iron. Three stainless steel burners push 37,000 BTU total, and the independent charcoal chamber operates with an adjustable enameled charcoal tray that distributes heat evenly. A dedicated side burner adds another cooking zone for sauces or sides, bringing the total to four heat sources across the dual-fuel platform.

The grease management system on the gas side uses a full-size slide-out tray that funnels drippings directly into a hanging collection box, while the charcoal side has a separate ash drawer that slides out for quick disposal — both features make post-cook cleanup significantly faster than models that require scraping or lifting the firebox. Dual-layered hoods with built-in stainless steel thermometers let you monitor temperatures without opening the lid. The frame sits on two swivel casters and two fixed wheels, making it easy to reposition across uneven patio surfaces.

Some users report slight uneven heat distribution on the gas side burners, though this is typical for combo grills in this price range and doesn’t significantly impact cooking results for most cuts. Assembly is described as straightforward and takes roughly one hour with two people. The 690 square inch total cooking area is adequate for small-to-medium gatherings but may feel tight for large parties where you’re running both sides at capacity. The one-year warranty is standard, but MFSTUDIO’s customer service is frequently praised for quick resolution of minor part issues.

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The Captiva Designs dual-fuel grill focuses on maintenance convenience with a tilted grease tray on the propane gas side that channels drippings directly into a hanging collection box, plus a full-size slide-out ash drawer on the charcoal side — both designed for tool-free removal and quick disposal. The 520 square inch primary cooking area uses porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that combine heavy-duty heat retention with non-stick, rust-resistant properties, and the 170 square inch stainless steel warming rack extends usable space without adding fire. Three stainless steel burners on the gas side deliver 37,000 BTU total, and the adjustable enameled charcoal tray on the other side allows heat control for the charcoal chamber.

The side-burner lid functions as an additional prep surface when not in use, and the four tool hooks integrated into the side shelves keep spatulas and tongs within reach. The frame measures 61 inches wide, which is standard for a combo unit but requires a stable, level surface. Assembly is straightforward with two people, though the gas line can feel too long and some owners note that the side racks feel slightly less rigid than the main frame. The storage cabinet underneath provides covered space for propane tanks and charcoal bags.

Build quality feedback is mixed — several owners praise the easy-clean design and solid performance, while others report thin metal that bent during assembly and shelves that warp when the grill heats up. The cooking surface is on the smaller side for a dual-fuel unit; the gas and charcoal chambers each accommodate roughly two steaks comfortably, which limits capacity for larger gatherings. If your priority is quick cleanup and you cook for small groups most of the time, this model delivers on convenience at a reasonable entry point.

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The Char-Griller E5030 is the most established dual-fuel design on this list, with a track record of thousands of units sold and a loyal following among backyard cooks who want a reliable gas-and-charcoal split without experimental features. Two stainless steel main burners deliver 24,000 BTU on the gas side, which is lower than many competitors but sufficient for standard grilling tasks like burgers and chicken — just don’t expect screaming-hot searing temps for thick steaks. The 870 square inch total cooking area includes porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist rust and distribute heat evenly across both chambers. The EasyDump ash pan on the charcoal side is a simple but effective feature: pull the lever and ash falls directly into a removable tray, cutting cleanup time in half.

The electronic ignition fires up the gas burners with a button push, and dual temperature gauges let you monitor each side independently. Build quality is notably better than many budget combos — the powder-coated alloy steel frame feels sturdy, and the matte finish holds up well against weather exposure. The charcoal side uses lump charcoal efficiently and can maintain smoking temperatures if you manage the air damper carefully, though keeping it below 400°F requires some practice. A side shelf with utensil hooks adds useful prep space without making the unit feel oversized.

The gas side temperature control has a narrow sweet spot — one burner on low sits around 300°F, while both burners on high push past 500°F quickly, making it tricky to hold medium temperatures for delicate foods like fish or vegetables. Some owners report that assembly took much longer than the advertised 45 minutes due to vague instructions and occasional missing hardware. The cooking area is roughly 40 percent smaller than older Char-Griller models, which some returning customers found disappointing after upgrading. Despite these quirks, the E5030 remains a solid mid-range choice for cooks who prioritize brand reliability and straightforward operation.

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The GRILL DEPOTS 2-in-1 is built around raw power — three independently adjustable burners on the gas side each push 10,000 BTU for a total of 30,000 BTU from the main burners, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner that brings the system to 39,000 BTU total, making it one of the most powerful gas sides in this comparison. What sets this model apart is the perforated griddle pan included with the package: a cast iron grooved griddle plate with holes across the bottom that lets heat and smoke pass directly through to the food, giving you the flat-top cooking surface for eggs and vegetables while still allowing direct flame contact for grill marks. The double-layer stainless steel lid is thicker than typical powder-coated steel covers and holds heat better without warping over multiple seasons.

The charcoal side sits next to the gas chamber in a side-by-side layout, and both zones operate independently with their own lids. The total 673 square inch cooking space includes 510 square inches of cast iron cooking grids and a 162 square inch warming rack. Four wheels make the unit easy to reposition, and the pull-out oil drip tray under the gas side collects grease effectively during cooking. Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions, and customers report using the grill within an hour of opening the box.

The perforated griddle pan is a clever addition, but the hole pattern means small food items like diced vegetables or shrimp can fall through if you’re not careful. Some customers report that the overall build material isn’t heavy-gauge steel, so the frame feels less substantial than premium offset smokers. The side-by-side layout means the total width of 51 inches is manageable, but the individual cooking chambers on the gas side are smaller than some competitors, making it tight when cooking for more than four people on one fuel type. The high BTU output also means gas consumption is higher than lower-powered models, so you’ll go through propane tanks faster with frequent use.

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The ZH3005Y-SC from Grills House builds on the base ZH3005 platform by adding a dedicated offset smoker chamber alongside the existing gas and charcoal compartments, bringing the total cooking area to 1020 square inches — 666 square inches of primary cooking space split evenly between gas and charcoal, plus 197 square inches in the offset smoker and 157 square inches of warming rack. The offset smoker can function as either a traditional slow-smoker for brisket and ribs or as a second charcoal grilling station when you need extra high-heat surface. A side door on the smoker makes refueling with charcoal or wood chunks easy without removing the cooking grate, and the 1.5 pound max charcoal capacity keeps small smokes efficient rather than wasteful.

The gas side uses two 12,000 BTU stainless steel burners plus a 10,000 BTU side burner for a total of 34,000 BTU system output — slightly lower than premium competitors but adequate for standard grilling tasks. The charcoal side features a three-level height-adjustable charcoal pan that gives you real temperature versatility: set it close to the food for searing, drop it low for slow-cooking, or use the middle setting for standard grilling. The Piezo ignition system fires the gas burners without batteries, eliminating one more consumable part that can fail over time.

At 87 pounds and 67.72 inches wide, this is one of the largest units in the entry-level-to-mid-range bracket, and assembly takes roughly two hours with two people. The offset smoker adds genuine smoking capability that most dual-fuel combos at this price point lack, though the smoker chamber is relatively small — fine for a single rack of ribs or a small pork shoulder, but tight for large brisket. The all-steel construction is decent for the price, but the painted finish will require a cover to prevent rust in wet climates. If you want to experiment with smoking without buying a separate unit, this is the best value path into that world.

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The ZH3005-SC is the most affordable fully functional dual-fuel grill in this lineup, pairing a 2-burner gas side (24,000 BTU total) with a charcoal side that includes a height-adjustable charcoal pan, smoke stack, and side air vent for temperature control — all features you’d expect from a unit costing significantly more. The 823 square inch total cooking area breaks down to 333 square inches per side on the primary grates, plus a 157 square inch warming rack. The Piezo ignition eliminates the need for batteries or lighters when starting the gas burners. A side burner rated at 10,000 BTU handles sauces or sides without crowding the main cooking chamber.

The charcoal pan adjusts to three levels, giving you modest control over heat intensity for different cooking styles. The dual lid-mounted thermometers on each side allow real-time temperature checks without lifting the lid. At 78.3 pounds and 63 inches wide, it’s manageable for two adults to assemble and move into position. Customers consistently report assembly takes under two hours and that the grill functions as both a smoker and grill on the first day of use. The right-side shelf provides useful prep space and can hold seasonings or tools during the cook.

The total cooking area is fine for small families but gets tight for larger gatherings — the 333 square inches per side limits you to roughly 2-3 steaks or 4-5 burgers per fuel type. Build quality is entry-level: the steel is not heavy-gauge, and the painted finish needs a grill cover to prevent rust in humid or rainy environments. The gas side BTU output of 24,000 total is adequate for standard grilling but won’t deliver the searing heat of higher-output competitors. For the price, this is the best entry point for someone who wants to try both fuel types without a major investment, and the side burner and adjustable charcoal pan give it surprising versatility for the budget tier.