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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want the sear of a live fire and the convenience of a gas knob. You don’t want to crowd your patio with two separate grills or pick one fuel and always wonder about the other. A combo gas and charcoal grill is the only honest answer — one frame, two cooking zones, and zero regret every time you walk outside to cook.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you’re planning a weeknight burger or a brisket that smokes all afternoon, this breakdown of the best combo gas and charcoal grill for your backyard will help you decide where to put your money.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Combo Gas and Charcoal Grill
A dual-fuel grill is a compromise in footprint but not in performance — if you choose the right one. The key is matching the layout, heat output, and build to how you actually cook. Skip a mismatch on any of these and you’ll be fighting the grill instead of enjoying the food.
Cooking Area and Zone Layout
The total square inches sound impressive, but what matters is how much of that is usable primary cooking space versus a warming rack. A gas side that’s too small means you can’t sear a full batch of steaks, and a charcoal side that’s cramped limits your smoking potential. Look for at least 500 sq. in. of primary grates if you regularly cook for four or more people. The layout also dictates whether you can run both fuels at once — side-by-side designs let you grill and smoke simultaneously without mixing heat zones.
BTU Output on the Gas Side
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures the heat output of the gas burners. A higher number means the grill gets hot faster and can maintain temperature in cooler weather. For a combo unit, look for a gas-side output between 20,000 and 40,000 BTUs. Below that, the gas side will struggle to sear; above it, you’re paying for burner power you may not need on a mixed-fuel rig. Keep in mind that burner count matters too — three burners give you more temperature zones than two.
Charcoal Management and Smoker Capability
The ability to adjust the height of the charcoal pan (or grate) is the single most important feature on the charcoal side. A three-level or crank-adjustable pan lets you dial in direct heat for searing or indirect heat for smoking without fiddling with briquette count. If the grill also includes an offset smoker box or a firebox that doubles as extra grilling space, you’ve got real low-and-slow capability. Without those features, the charcoal side is basically just a small kettle grill bolted to a gas unit.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cooking Area | Gas BTU | Primary Grate Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon★ Best Overall | Serious smoking + grilling | 1,031 sq. in. | 36,000 | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Amazon |
| Grills House 2-BurnerBest Value | Budget all-in-one | 1,020 sq. in. | 34,000 | Alloy Steel | Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS 41,500 BTUUltra-High Heat | High-heat versatility | 673 sq. in. | 41,500 | Cast iron + griddle | Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N | Space-saving mid-range | 759 sq. in. | 20,000 | Iron | Amazon |
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002C | Covered mid-range value | 759 sq. in. | 20,000 | Alloy Steel | Amazon |
| Captiva Designs | Durable everyday dual-fuel | 690 sq. in. | — | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 | High-BTU midsize | 690 sq. in. | 37,000 | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| GREEN PARTY 685 | Precision charcoal control | 685 sq. in. | 37,000 | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus | 3-in-1 grilling station | 1,260 sq. in. | 30,000 | Metal + griddle | Amazon |
| Brand-Man 2-in-1 | Heavy-duty build | 678 sq. in. | — | Cast iron | Amazon |
| Flintex Gas & Charcoal | Grill-and-griddle combo | 720 sq. in. | 30,000 | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo
Our pick — over 4★ from 100+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The only dual-fuel that treats smoking as seriously as weeknight grilling.
This is the combo for the person who wants real offset-smoker capability without losing the speed of a gas cooktop. The gas side hits with 36,000 BTU across three burners, getting hot fast and staying even, while the charcoal side offers a 750 sq. in. primary cooking area that can hold two pork shoulders and a dozen burgers. The firebox itself adds another 281 sq. in., turning the smoker box into a second grilling zone when you need it. The crowd favorite — a 4.4-star average across hundreds of owners — is built on heavy-gauge steel and porcelain-coated cast iron grates that resist rust and hold heat beautifully.
The trade-off is that running both zones at once creates a big heat bubble — buyers report the fire needs tending every 25 minutes, and the top temperature gauge reads about 10°F high far from the heat and 5°F low near the heat. That’s a small learning curve for the versatility. Owners mention that assembly is straightforward and the ability to quick-grill on gas during the week then smoke ribs on the weekend makes the footprint worth it.
What wins people over
- Three gas burners (36,000 BTU) for fast, even heat
- 1,031 sq. in. total — includes a usable firebox grate
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust and hold heat
- Adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers for temperature control
One thing to know
- Dual-zone heat makes fire management a 25-minute attention cycle
- Gauge accuracy varies by position (hotter farther, cooler nearer)
Reach for this if: you want a real offset smoker on the same frame as a gas grill and are ready to manage fire for that deep smoky flavor.
Look elsewhere if: you need a low-maintenance smoker or only cook for two — this is a big rig built for serious batches.
2. Grills House 2-Burner Combo
Massive cooking real estate at a price that leaves room for a tank and a cover.
The numbers here are hard to ignore. You get 1,020 sq. in. of total cooking area — 333 sq. in. on the gas side, another 333 sq. in. on the charcoal side, plus a 197 sq. in. offset smoker and a 157 sq. in. warming rack. That’s enough surface to hold 36 burgers. The gas burners deliver 34,000 BTU, and the side burner adds another 10,000 BTU for sauces or sides. The 4.1-star rating across nearly 300 ratings tells you most buyers feel the value is solid.
Where the savings show up is in the details. The paint on some units peeled after a month, and occasional reports of auto starters failing are common enough that you should expect to light the burners manually. Assembly is a mixed bag — some call it a two-hour job with a partner; others find the instructions lacking. The charcoal pan adjusts to three levels, which gives you real temperature control, and the offset smoker door makes adding coal easy. Think of this as a capable workhorse that rewards patience during setup.
Bottom line builder: For the price, you get an honest smoker, a full-size gas side, and a side burner all in one frame — just be ready to spend an afternoon with a wrench.
Grab it when: your budget is tight but you refuse to give up the offset-smoker experience.
Think twice if: you want a paint finish that stays perfect for years or a zero-fuss assembly on day one.
3. GRILL DEPOTS 41,500 BTU Combo
The highest gas output on the list, paired with a griddle for breakfast-on-the-patrol.
At 41,500 BTU, this grill has more raw power on the gas side than any other combo we examined — 41,500 BTU versus the Grills House unit’s 34,000 BTU. That translates to screaming hot sear marks on steaks within minutes. The charcoal side uses a three-level pan that gets plenty smoky with less briquette fuel, and the included grooved griddle pan means you can switch from burgers to pancakes without swapping hardware. Owners praise the assembly — it earns the most positive mentions for being straightforward — and the pull-out drip tray keeps post-cook cleaning simple.
The compromise is surface area. At 673 sq. in. total, this is on the smaller end, and if you try to use only the gas side, you’ll feel the pinch with a crowd. Customers note the steel isn’t heavy-gauge, so it won’t withstand a decade of harsh winters like a thicker chassis would. For the weekly griller who values heat-on-demand and versatility over sheer square footage, this is a smart play.
Who it fits best: the two-to-four person household that wants gas-like speed, charcoal flavor, and a griddle for lazy weekend breakfasts — all without a huge footprint.
Confidence pick: if heat output is your #1 priority and you keep parties small, this is the most bang for the burner.
Skip it for: feeding a dozen or expecting commercial-grade metal thickness.
4. Royal Gourmet ZH3002N
A polished-look side-by-side that hides the tank behind cabinet doors.
The ZH3002N wins on cosmetics and practicality. The bottom cabinet hides the propane tank from view, and the name-brand hood plate gives it a premium look that many owners call out as the reason they chose it. The cooking area is 759 sq. in. — 592 sq. in. of primary grates plus a 167 sq. in. warming rack — enough for 30 burgers. Two 6-inch wheels and two lockable casters make it easy to roll into position, and the slide-out ash tray on the charcoal side keeps cleanup fast.
The gas side delivers 20,000 BTU across two burners, which is enough for steady cooking but won’t deliver the instant-sear power of a 36,000-plus BTU unit. Assembly is the most common frustration — reviewers point out hours of work, occasionally missing instructions, and a few damaged-on-arrival units. The build quality gets mixed notes; some find it sturdy once assembled, others felt the metal bent during tightening. For the price, the look and layout are strong, but expect to invest time in setup.
Verdict in one line: The best-looking budget-minded side-by-side, but the assembly time is real and the gas heat is moderate.
Best for: homeowners who want the propane tank hidden and a cohesive grill-station look on a mid-range budget.
5. Royal Gourmet ZH3002C
The same layout as the ZH3002N but in black with a free cover included.
The ZH3002C is functionally the sibling of the ZH3002N — same 759 sq. in. total area, same 20,000 BTU two-burner gas setup, same stainless steel burner construction. The key difference is the color (black frame) and the inclusion of a grill cover right in the box, which saves you the separate purchase. Owners who bought this unit specifically noted the cover as a deciding factor, giving the grill better weather protection from day one.
Performance mirrors the silver version: the gas side works well for steady grilling, the charcoal side lets you adjust the pan height for temperature control, and the two side shelves with tool hooks offer real prep space. The build quality gets a more mixed reception here — some call the metal flimsy compared to a Weber, and the charcoal side can leak smoke through the frame, which makes low-and-slow smoking tricky. Assembly is the same multi-hour project. If you want the Royal Gourmet layout in black with a cover, this saves you about on accessories.
Quick take: The ZH3002N in black with a free cover — same strengths, same assembly demands, slightly better out-of-box value.
Reach for it if: you prefer black appliances and want a cover included to protect the grill from day one.
6. Captiva Designs Dual Fuel Combo
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that hold heat like a bank vault and clean up with a wipe.
The grates are the headline here — the 520 sq. in. primary cooking area is built from porcelain-enameled cast iron, which gives you the heat retention of heavy cast iron with a non-stick surface that resists rust. That’s a major upgrade over painted steel grates. The gas side fires three stainless steel burners (the exact BTU is not specified, but it’s paired with a 170 sq. in. warming rack), and the charcoal tray adjusts in height for temperature control. A side burner adds another cooking zone for sauces or sides. The 690 sq. in. total area is moderate, but the materials are a step above.
The biggest owner praise is the dual-fuel flexibility — gas lights instantly for quick meals, while the charcoal side holds temperature well once it’s dialed in. Cleanup is repeatedly called easy, thanks to a slide-out grease tray on the gas side and a matching ash tray on the charcoal side. The trade-off is size: the gas cooking surface fits about two steaks at once, so this is best for small families or couples. Assembly is a two-person job, and the side racks feel a bit awkward to some owners.
Why it stands out: The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates are rare at this price point and make a real difference in sear quality and cleaning effort.
Perfect for: the cook who values grate quality and easy cleanup over sheer cooking surface size.
7. MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 Combo
A 37,000 BTU gas punch and a separate side burner in a 690 sq. in. package that assembles cleanly.
This grill packs serious gas power — 37,000 BTU across three stainless steel burners — along with an independent charcoal zone and a right-side burner for side dishes. Each fuel zone operates under its own double-layer lid, so you can smoke on the charcoal side while searing steaks on the gas side without mixing heat or smoke. The 520 sq. in. primary cooking area is built from thickened porcelain-enameled cast iron, giving you non-stick performance and rust resistance. The 170 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack is useful for keeping food hot.
Buyers consistently call the build quality solid and the heat distribution even — a point that wins frequent praise from owners who switched from cheaper combos. Assembly takes about an hour and is described as engaging but manageable with the clear instructions. The dual-layered hoods include built-in thermometers so you can check temperature without lifting the lid. On the downside, at 690 sq. in. total, this is a midsize unit; large gatherings will feel the squeeze. But for a family cookout or weekly grilling, the power-to-size ratio is excellent.
Strongest argument: More gas BTU per square inch than most rivals, with porcelain-enameled grates and a separate side burner — a legit all-in-one for the serious backyard cook.
Pick this for: a family that wants hot gas searing and true charcoal smoking in one midsize frame without sacrificing build quality.
8. GREEN PARTY 685
A crank-adjustable charcoal pan gives you pinpoint temperature control without lifting the grate.
The standout feature here is the charcoal-side crank system — turning the handle moves the charcoal pan up or down, letting you dial in the distance between coals and food without ever touching the hot grate. That’s a level of precision most combos don’t offer. The gas side adds three burners and a side burner for 37,000 BTU total output, and the 685 sq. in. total cooking area (on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates) is split across the two zones plus a warming rack. Lid-mounted dampers and an invisible front air vent help maintain temperature without opening the hood.
Build quality gets positive owner marks — buyers describe the grill as beautifully made and sturdy. Assembly feedback is mixed: some found it straightforward with one person, others call it a challenge. A few shoppers say that the gas side heats unevenly (only the back-left corner gets truly hot), and some parts are prone to rust near heat sources. The customer service is widely praised, with the seller replacing parts quickly when issues arise. This is a feature-rich combo that rewards the owner who will use that crank often.
Smartest feature: The crank-adjustable charcoal pan is a genuine time-saver that lets you switch from searing to smoking in seconds.
Best for: the charcoal enthusiast who wants gas convenience but refuses to give up fine-grained heat management over the coals.
9. Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus
The largest total cooking area on the list — 1,260 sq. in. — with a griddle and smoker built in.
The Flex Fuel Plus is a 3-in-1 station: a gas grill, a charcoal grill, a flat-top griddle, and a smoker, all in one frame. The gas side runs three stainless steel burners at 30,000 BTU with push-button automatic ignition. The charcoal side includes an adjustable tray and dual dampers for smoke control. The included pre-seasoned flat-top griddle sits on the gas side when you swap out the grates, letting you cook bacon, pancakes, or fajitas without extra cookware. The 1,260 sq. in. total area makes this the biggest-capacity grill in the roundup — enough to feed a party without staggering batches.
Buyers love the versatility — many report using it every weekend for everything from steaks to full breakfasts. Assembly is described as laborious, requiring an impact driver and patience, and a few units arrived with rust already forming on the griddle tray. The steel thickness on the grill bodies is thinner than premium brands, which raises durability questions over several seasons. Still, for someone who wants to smoke a brisket, sear a steak, and fry bacon all on one rig, the value proposition is obvious.
Bottom line: The ultimate multi-cook station for the price — just budget extra time for assembly and be ready to manage rust on the griddle tray.
Ideal for: the backyard chef who wants one appliance that does everything — grill, smoke, and griddle — for big groups.
10. Brand-Man 2-in-1 Combo
At 100.5 pounds, this is the heaviest mid-size combo you can roll — and it shows in the stability.
The Brand-Man unit leans into sheer heft. The 100.5-pound frame, heavy-duty cast iron grates (472 sq. in. primary plus a 206 sq. in. warming rack), and powder-coated finish give it a planted feel that lighter grills lack. The dual-fuel setup includes independently controlled gas and charcoal zones, plus a griddle surface that swaps into the gas side. The front panel folds down into a condiment station, and the foldable side shelves add prep space without making the footprint bigger. Locking casters and a large handle cover make it easy to move and protect.
The quality and assembly both earn strong positive marks from owners — the gas components arrive mostly pre-assembled, cutting down on build time. Heat distribution gets high praise, with the dual lids letting you manage each zone separately. The catch is that the warming racks protrude and can block the main lid from closing fully, and switching between grill and griddle modes requires a tool. At 678 sq. in. total, this is a more focused cooking surface than the biggest units, but the build quality and 4.0-star consensus suggest it will outlast lighter rivals.
Key takeaway: A heavy, confidence-inspiring build with smart storage features, limited only by the mid-size cooking area and a slightly awkward warming rack.
Reach for this if: you haul your grill around the yard and want it to feel solid every time you move it.
11. Flintex Gas and Charcoal Combo
Six burners and a dedicated griddle pan that slides into the gas zone without tools.
The Flintex packs the most burners of any combo here — three stainless steel burners on the gas side (30,000 BTU total) plus three more on the charcoal side or griddle zone, depending on how you configure it. The total cooking area is 720 sq. in., with the primary grates made from porcelain-enameled cast iron that delivers even heat and resists rust. The griddle pan fits smoothly into the gas zone, so you can go from smash burgers to scrambled eggs without swapping hardware.
The charcoal section features a front-access door that lets you add fuel mid-cook without lifting the grate, which is a genuine safety and convenience upgrade. The height-adjustable charcoal pan and side air vents give you full temperature control. Owners consistently call out the heavy-duty construction, even heat distribution, and versatility as top strengths. Assembly is a multi-hour project (about 4 hours), and the grill is sold as a 6-burner unit, but the actual gas burner count is three — the rest are for the charcoal/ griddle area. If you want a grill that does breakfast, lunch, and dinner without extra pans, this is it.
Why it works: A griddle that’s built into the gas zone plus a front-access charcoal door makes this the most breakfast-friendly dual-fuel grill you can buy.
Perfect for: the cook who wants to sear steaks, flip pancakes, and smoke wings all on the same unit — and values a solid 4.5-star owner consensus.
Understanding the Specs
Cooking Area (sq. in.)
This number tells you how much food you can cook at once. The total includes primary grates, warming racks, and sometimes a smoker box — but the primary cooking surface is what matters for burgers and steaks. For a family of four, look for at least 500 sq. in. of primary space. The Char-Griller Flex Fuel leads at 1,260 sq. in. total, while most other combos hover in the 670–760 sq. in. range.
BTU (British Thermal Units)
BTU measures how much heat the gas burners can produce. More BTU means the grill gets hot faster and can hold heat in cool weather. For combo grills, the gas side typically ranges from 20,000 to 41,500 BTU. A 20,000 BTU grill is fine for steady cooking, but if you want a fast sear on a steak, aim for 30,000 BTU or more. The GRILL DEPOTS unit puts out the most at 41,500 BTU.
Grate Material
The grates are what your food sits on. Porcelain-enameled cast iron is the best middle ground — it holds heat like cast iron, resists rust, and cleans up easier than bare steel. Painted steel or alloy steel grates are cheaper but more likely to rust over time and don’t hold heat as evenly. The Captiva Designs, MFSTUDIO, and Flintex models all use porcelain-enameled cast iron grates.
Charcoal Pan Adjustability
A charcoal pan that adjusts up and down (either with a crank or a 3-level system) lets you control the cooking temperature by changing the distance between the coals and the food. That’s the difference between searing a steak and slow-cooking a rack of ribs. Without this feature, your only temperature control is adding or removing briquettes. The GREEN PARTY 685 has a crank system; the Royal Gourmet models and Grills House unit offer 3-level adjustment.
FAQ
Can you use the gas and charcoal sides at the same time?
Is a combo grill more expensive than buying a separate gas and charcoal grill?
How long does a combo gas and charcoal grill last?
What size propane tank does a combo grill use?
Can you use a combo grill as a smoker?
How hard is it to assemble a combo grill?
Do combo grills come with a griddle or griddle insert?
What’s the difference between an offset smoker and a charcoal pan?
Can I use wood chunks in a combo grill?
Do combo grills come with a side burner?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the combo gas and charcoal grill winner is the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo because it delivers a genuine offset smoker alongside a powerful 36,000 BTU gas grill, all on a heavy-duty frame that buyers consistently rate highest for functionality. If you want the biggest cooking area and a griddle included, grab the Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus. And for a budget-friendly all-in-one with a massive 1,020 sq. in. surface, the Grills House 2-Burner Combo is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.