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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 smoky depth of charcoal on a brisket and the push-button convenience of propane on a Tuesday night. A dual fuel BBQ grill gives you both in one cart, which means you stop choosing between flavor and speed and start picking the right tool for the cook in front of you.. The real question is which layout, burner count, and cooking area match how you actually grill..
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.
Side-by-side gas and charcoal zones, searing power, and total cooking area decide which dual fuel bbq grill fits your patio and your cooking style best.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dual Fuel BBQ Grill
Buying the right combo grill starts with understanding that “dual fuel” is a category, not a single design. Some put gas and charcoal side by side, others stack a smoker box offset from a gas main, and a few switch cooking modes on one main chamber. Your patio space and your menu decide which layout earns its spot.
Sort out the cooking area math
Manufacturers advertise one big square-inch number, but inside it you will find primary cooking grates, a warming rack, and sometimes an offset smoker or firebox. A 1020 sq. in. total often means roughly 666 sq. in. of real primary grilling space. Match the primary area to your crowd, not the headline total.
Read the burner rows and BTU claims
More burners mean more independent temperature zones, which matters when you sear steaks on one side and roast ribs on the other. BTU output tells you raw heat potential, but a 24,000 BTU two-burner rig can sear just as hard as a 41,500 BTU four-burner unit if the grates hold heat well. Cast iron grates lock in temperature; thin steel sheds it.
Weight means durability
You will feel the difference the moment you wheel a budget combo grill (about 87 pounds) and a premium offset smoker (near 105 pounds) across your deck. Heavier steel resists warping and holds heat better, but it also demands a sturdier cart and often a two-person assembly. So ask yourself: do you want a grill that lasts a decade, or one you can move easily for a single season?
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cooking Area | Gas BTU | Main Grates | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller E5030★ Best Overall | Versatile sear and smoke | 870 sq in | 24,000 BTU | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Amazon |
| ZH3005Y ComboBiggest Capacity | Massive capacity with smoker | 1020 sq in | 34,000 BTU | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS 2-in-1Easiest Build | Near-instant setup | 673 sq in | 41,500 BTU | Cast iron grids | Amazon |
| Captiva Designs Combo | Even heat and easy cleanup | 690 sq in | — | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| Sophia & William Combo | Large family cookouts | 690 sq in | 37,180 BTU | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| GREEN PARTY 3-Burner | Air-flow temperature control | 685 sq in | 37,000 BTU | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
| Charbroil Pro Series | Grill, griddle, and charcoal in one | 802.9 sq in | — | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Amazon |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon | Serious low-and-slow smoking | 1031 sq in | 36,000 BTU | Porcelain-coated cast iron | Amazon |
| Flintex Combo | Sear and griddle in one cook | 720 sq in | — | Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function
Our pick — 4.5★ from 400+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The two-zone workhorse that sears steaks on gas while ribs smoke over charcoal
This is the combo the crowd keeps coming back to. — The crowd favorite pulls a 4.5-star score from 400+ owners., and what wins people over is build quality, the most-praised trait by a wide margin. The side-by-side layout gives you two stainless steel main burners pumping 24,000 BTU on the gas side, plus a dedicated charcoal chamber and an extra side burner for sauces, all wrapped in 870 sq. in. of total cooking space.
The a neat extra is running both fuels at once.. Cooks describe searing steaks on the propane side while smoking other meats over charcoal in the same cook — the dual temperature gauges let you monitor each zone without lifting a lid. Buyers report that the gas side crushes vegetables and reheating duty, and the lump charcoal burns efficiently enough that Traeger and Kamado owners admit jealousy.
The honest trade-off is temperature precision. Owners mention the gas side settles into a 300-500°F range and charcoal is hard to hold below 400°F, so this is not a set-it-and-forget machine. Assembly is the recurring gripe — plan for a patient afternoon, and the verdict from many owners is that a custom cover is worth buying since the stock one fits poorly.
Why cooks stick with it
- Two fuel zones plus a side burner cover every cook style
- Electronic push-button ignition fires up fast
- EasyDump Ash Pan shortens post-cook cleanup
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold searing heat
Where it asks patience
- Temperature control runs wide, not precise
- Assembly is heavy and time-consuming
- Box misses a washer or screw occasionally
Reach for it if: you want one rugged cart that does weekday gas cooks and weekend charcoal smokes without compromise.
Know before you buy: temp control is hands-on, so this suits grillers who like tending the fire, not walk-away convenience.
2. ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo
The biggest cooking footprint here, with an offset smoker bolted on for true low-and-slow
If you measure grills in burgers, this one holds 36 at once across 1020 sq. in. of total cooking area — the largest number in this lineup, and a 52% more gap over the GRILL DEPOTS combo’s 673 sq. in. That total breaks down into 666 sq. in. of primary space split evenly between gas and charcoal, a 157 sq. in. warming rack, and a 197 sq. in. offset smoker that doubles as a second charcoal grill.
Heat comes from two stainless main burners at 12,000 BTU each plus a 10,000 BTU side burner, for 34,000 BTU total, with a piezo ignition that needs no battery. The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan is the standout feature, letting you move the coals closer or farther for slow-cooking, searing, or smoking. Quality is the trait owners praise most, and versatility runs a close second, with cooks noting you can run gas, charcoal, and the smoker at the same time.
The experience splits hard on assembly. Some customers note a clean 30-60 minute build with clear directions, while others describe a guessing game of unlabeled small parts and a side burner that took three people to align. The charcoal pan carries 3.3 lb. of fuel and the smoker 1.5 lb., so you are not hauling huge coal loads between cooks.
The capacity case
- Holds 36 burgers across three cooking zones
- Offset smoker adds real smoky flavor
- 3-level charcoal pan fine-tunes heat
- Piezo ignition fires without a battery
The assembly gamble
- Directions and part labels spark mixed reviews
- Some units arrive with misaligned holes
- Coating can wear during assembly
Best if: you host big groups and want gas, charcoal, and a smoker in one footprint without paying premium money.
Think twice if: you dread complex builds — this one rewards mechanical patience.
3. GRILL DEPOTS 2-in-1 Combo with Griddle
The rare combo grill that wins praise for its assembly instructions
Most dual fuel grills bury a wrench in a box of panic — this one gets consistent applause for clear, simple directions. Owners say the build is easy enough to handle solo, and the performance keeps them happy meal after meal. The side-by-side layout puts a 4-burner gas grill next to a charcoal grill, with the griddle option landing on top of cast iron grates that sear burgers, steaks, and eggs alike.
Three independently adjustable burners each deliver 10,000 BTU, joined by a 9,000 BTU side burner for sides and sauces, for a 41,500 BTU total — the highest heat output in this review. The double-layer stainless steel lid resists warping after months of use, and the 673.1 sq. in. of cooking space includes 510.48 sq. in. of cast iron grids and a 162.62 sq. in. warming area. Four wheels roll the whole cart across a patio without a fight.
Here is the honest trade-off: the frame is not heavy-gauge metal, so it will not feel as tank-like as a premium offset smoker. Buyers also note the cooking surface shrinks if you run gas-only or charcoal-only for a big crowd. On the plus side, the pull-out oil drip tray collects grease neatly, and reviewers point out the grates and drip tray clean up easily after each cook.
Assembly relief: clear instructions and a straightforward build are the two things this grill does better than almost any other combo here.
The smaller cost: a lighter frame and a footprint that rewards single-mode cooks more than full dual-zone parties.
Choose this if: you want a fast, frustration-free setup and a griddle-capable dual fuel grill for everyday family cooks.
Look elsewhere if: you need maximum primary grilling area for huge gatherings.
4. Captiva Designs Gas and Charcoal Combo
A 61-inch long cooking counter with porcelain-enameled cast iron that heats evenly
This cabinet-style combo spreads 690 sq. in. of cooking space across a 520 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron primary zone and a 170 sq. in. stainless steel warming rack. The gas and charcoal sides are independently controlled, so you can fire one without touching the other. Quality is the dominant theme in owner feedback, and dual-fuel capability runs a strong second — cooks call it a true 3-in-1 with griddle duty on top of gas and charcoal.
Heat distribution earns serious praise, with the three stainless burners and enameled charcoal tray working together to avoid hot and cold spots. The real differentiator is cleanup: a tilted grease tray channels drippings into a hanging box, and the full-size slide-out ash tray on the charcoal side makes post-BBQ duty quick. Owners consistently call the pull-out trays and easy-cleaning design a win.
The catch is the build experience. Assembly is heavy and often needs a second person, and occasional units arrive with misaligned bolt holes or dents from shipping. When parts do arrive straight, the instructions are detailed and the fit is good — but it is a gamble on delivery quality, not on cooking. A few owners note the frame feels slightly flimsy despite cooking well.
The everyday wins
- Even heat across porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Tilted grease tray flows into a removable box
- Slide-out ash tray speeds charcoal cleanup
- Detailed installation instructions
Delivery roulette
- Heavy assembly best tackled with two people
- Some units ship dented or with misaligned holes
- Frame feels lighter than premium rivals
Buy it for: even, reliable heat and the easiest grease-and-ash cleanup in this group.
Prepare for: a two-person build and the chance of a shipping ding — inspect carefully on arrival.
5. Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Combo
A 105-pound cart built for family cookouts, with a crank-adjustable charcoal tray
At 105 lbs. and 690 sq. in., this cabinet combo is a heavy-duty answer for family gatherings. The cooking area splits into 520 sq. in. of primary space on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates plus a 170 sq. in. stainless warming rack. Three stainless gas burners deliver 28,650 BTU, and a 8,530 BTU side burner handles simmering sauce or sautéing vegetables while the main zones work.
The signature feature is the charcoal side’s crank handle, which raises and lowers the adjustable charcoal tray to control heat without lifting the grate. Owners praise the dual fuel capability and the spacious layout for family barbecues, and the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates retain heat well and clean up easily. The slide-out grease tray and removable ash tray make the post-cook routine genuinely simple.
The durability picture is the honest caveat. While many shoppers say a solid build and even heat after months of use, a smaller number describe thin metal in the grill area and rust developing within two years even when covered and cleaned. Assembly runs about two hours and really needs a second person, and the propane side’s max heat of around 500°F means this is not your searing machine.
Family fit: generous counter space, tool hooks, and a crank-tuned charcoal tray make this a natural for big backyard meals.
The watch-out: thin sheet metal in spots — keep it covered and plan on a shorter lifespan than heavy-gauge rivals.
Reach for this if: you want an affordable, spacious dual fuel grill with a genuinely useful crank charcoal pan.
Pass it by if: you plan to sear hard on gas — the propane side tops out too low for a proper crust.
6. GREEN PARTY 3-Burner Combo with Side Burner
Lid-mounted dampers give you flame control most combo grills simply do not offer
This one thinks about air movement. The lid-mounted dampers and an invisible front vent promote better circulation without opening the lid, so you control the flame by adjusting oxygen — open the damper for a higher flame, close it to settle things down. It is a genuinely different temperature toolkit than the fixed vents on most rivals here, and it pairs with a crank-adjustable charcoal pan on the coal side.
The gas side brings three main burners and one side burner for 37,000 BTU of output, with 685 sq. in. of total cooking area on porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for durability and rust resistance. Owners call the performance solid, with even heat and adjustable temperature across the zones. The grease management system funnels drippings into a removable cup while the ash tray collects charcoal debris for easy cleanup.
Assembly is the split decision — some buyers report a straightforward one-person build, while others describe it as very challenging, and occasional units arrive with bent structural pieces or broken welds on the side tables. When the unit arrives clean, the heat control and sturdy materials earn real praise, and the responsive customer service has a track record of shipping replacement parts quickly.
The control edge
- Lid dampers and front vent manage heat without opening the lid
- Crank-adjustable charcoal pan tunes coal distance
- 37,000 BTU across three main burners plus a side burner
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist rust
Quality on arrival
- Assembly difficulty varies widely by owner
- Some units ship with bent parts or broken welds
- Heat-exposed parts can show rust over time
Pick this for: grillers who want active flame control and do not mind a build that can challenge.
Inspect carefully: delivery quality varies, so check structural parts before committing to assembly.
7. Charbroil Pro Series 4-Burner with Amplifire
The 3-in-1 grill that sears with infrared, flips to a griddle, and drops in charcoal trays
This is the most versatile single unit in the lineup because it does not just split gas and charcoal — it throws a griddle into the mix. Right from the start you get the 4-burner propane grill, an included griddle insert, and charcoal trays, so one 802.9 sq. in. machine covers seared steaks, breakfast pancakes, and smoky BBQ. The Amplifire infrared system spreads heat evenly and cuts flare-ups, a claim the review pages back up repeatedly.
The gas side offers 535 sq. in. of primary cooking space — enough for 12 steaks at once — plus a 200 sq. in. warming rack. Owners say burgers and steaks come off perfect in under 10 minutes, and the griddle earns rave reviews for bacon, eggs, and smash burgers. Switching cooking modes takes 60 seconds or less, and lighting the charcoal is as simple as turning on the burners to ignite the coals, no chimney needed.
The durability story is strong. One owner reports their previous Charbroil Infrared grill lasted 14 years, backing the 3-year warranty., and the 3-year limited warranty adds a layer of confidence. Assembly is the recurring note — the design has some flaws near the end and needs patience — but the heavy steel construction and porcelain-coated cast iron grates feel built to last. The infrared system hits 700°F for a proper steak crust..
The all-in-one appeal
- Infrared, griddle, and charcoal modes in one cart
- 60-second mode swaps keep pace with the menu
- Amplifire cuts flare-ups and spreads heat evenly
- 3-year limited warranty backs the build
The build notes
- Assembly is tricky near the final steps
- Charcoal trays heat slower than claimed
- Heavy cart needs a solid spot on the patio
Choose this if: you want one machine that grills, griddles, and smokes without buying separate accessories.
Know going in: it is a serious assembly project, and the charcoal mode is a bonus, not a dedicated smoker.
8. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Smoker and Grill
A real offset smoker bolted to a 36,000 BTU gas grill, built for low-and-slow purists
Here is the most serious smoking machine in this review. The Canyon Combo pairs a charcoal and hardwood offset smoker with a 3-burner propane grill for 36,000 BTU, giving you 1031 sq. in. of total cooking area — the biggest number in this lineup, and a 52% more gap over the GRILL DEPOTS combo’s 673 sq. in. The 750 sq. in. primary chamber smokes up to 2 pork shoulders or grills 12 burgers, and the 281 sq. in. firebox grate handles 15 wings or 6 burgers on its own.
Performance is the dominant praise, with owners highlighting heavy-duty construction and easy assembly. The adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers give pitmaster-level temperature control, and dual lid-mounted gauges show accurate temps for both the smoker and grill. Cooks love running both zones at once — smoking meat low-and-slow while grilling fast on the propane side for the same meal. Removable firebox ash pan makes cleanup straightforward.
The honest caveats: durability gets mixed feedback, with a few owners reporting rust on the shelves after a couple of months without a cover, so budget for one. The firebox grate and the 35.6″D x 68.9″W footprint demand real patio space, and the assembly is serious — most owners mention about an hour of heavy work. The cooking space draws mixed reviews too, so match the 750 sq. in. primary to your actual crowd size rather than the headline 1031 sq. in.
The pitmaster toolkit
- Offset smoker delivers authentic low-and-slow flavor
- 36,000 BTU gas side heats fast and even
- Adjustable dampers control temps like a pro rig
- Dual lid gauges track both zones at a glance
Real-world demands
- Huge footprint needs generous patio space
- Rust can appear on shelves without a cover
- Heavy build makes assembly a two-person job
Buy it for: serious smoke sessions — brisket, pork shoulders, and wings — alongside fast weekday gas grilling.
Commit to: space, a cover, and the patience of a real smoker cook.
9. Flintex Gas and Charcoal Grill with Griddle
The 37 by 15.5 inch surface that sears steaks and flips to weekend pancakes
This cart earns its keep by doing two jobs at once. The 720 sq. in. total cooking area fits 36 four-inch burgers and feeds 8-12 guests, and the 37″ x 15.5″ surface takes a full cook in one round. The clever part is the griddle: lift out the two porcelain-enameled cast iron grate sections, drop in the included heavy-duty cast iron griddle, and the gas side becomes a breakfast station for eggs, pancakes, and smash burgers. Grill quality is the most-praised trait in owner feedback.
You get restaurant-style searing fast. Each stainless steel burner lights instantly with the flamethrower ignition (a push-button spark that starts the flame without matches) and The flamethrower ignition brings grates to 850°F in 10-15 minutes, locking in steak juices.. On the charcoal side, a front door lets you refill coals mid-cook without lifting the grates. A side crank raises and lowers the coal tray to dial in heat, and an adjustable air vent tunes the fire from slow smoke to hot sear.
Space-saving is a real bonus: fold both side tables down and the grill shrinks from 64 to 48 inches wide, tucking into narrow patios and garage corners. All stainless steel lids resist rust and wipe clean, with built-in thermometers tracking temperature without lifting the cover. Assembly runs a couple of hours, and the slide-out ash tray plus removable grease collector keep the cleanup effort low. The frame is alloy steel, so it is sturdy rather than featherlight.
The two-station edge
- Griddle insert flips the gas side into a breakfast station
- 850°F searing heat in 10-15 minutes
- Front charcoal door refills coals mid-cook
- Foldable tables shrink width by 16 inches
Setup reality
- Assembly runs a couple of hours
- Frame is solid but not ultra-heavy gauge
- Permits just one grease collector for heavy cooks
Ideal for: cookers who want a hard sear and a griddle station without a second appliance.
Plan for: a solid afternoon build and a covered spot to protect the alloy frame.
Understanding the Specs
Total vs. Primary Cooking Area
The headline square-inch number mixes primary grates, warming racks, and smoker boxes. A 1020 sq. in. total can mean 666 sq. in. of real grilling space. Match the primary number to your guest count — roughly 100 sq. in. per person is a solid rule of thumb for direct grilling.
BTU Output and Burner Count
BTU measures raw heat potential, and more burners give you independent temperature zones. A two-burner 24,000 BTU grill can sear as well as a four-burner 41,500 BTU unit if the cast iron grates hold heat. Look for stainless burners, which resist corrosion better than plain steel.
Grate Material Matters
Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates hold heat, sear hard, resist rust, and clean up easily, but they are heavier. Plain steel grates are lighter and cheaper but shed heat faster and rust sooner. If you want consistent grill marks, prioritize the cast iron option.
Charcoal Tray Adjustability
A height-adjustable charcoal tray or crank lets you move coals closer for searing or farther for slow-cooking. Fixed trays lock you into one heat profile. Combined with adjustable vents or dampers, this is the single biggest factor in charcoal temperature control.
FAQ
Can I run the gas and charcoal sides of a dual fuel grill at the same time?
How much cooking area do I need for a family of four?
Is higher BTU always better on a dual fuel grill?
How long does assembly usually take on these combo grills?
What is the difference between porcelain-coated and porcelain-enameled cast iron grates?
Do I need a separate smoker if I buy a dual fuel grill?
Can I use the gas side to light the charcoal?
How do I clean the grease and ash trays on a combo grill?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the dual fuel bbq grill winner is the Char-Griller E5030 because it balances a rugged build, 870 sq. in. of space, and true two-zone cooking, and it holds the strongest rating in this group — 4.5 stars across 400+ owners, the crowd favorite. If you want the biggest footprint and a real offset smoker, grab the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon at 1031 sq. in. And if you want one machine that grills, griddles, and burns charcoal, the Charbroil Pro Series 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 August 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.