Finding a versatile combo smoker and grill that delivers authentic charcoal flavor while offering the convenience of gas can be challenging. This guide highlights five top-rated combo grills that blend charcoal and gas, with features like offset smokers, large cooking areas, and side burners. Each option provides distinct strengths for low-and-slow smoking, fast weeknight grilling, or festive backyard events. Read on to compare configurations, heat control, fuel management, and overall versatility to help you choose the right unit for your outdoor kitchen.
| Product | Fuel Type | Primary Cooking Area | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX | Charcoal & Propane | 750 sq in (primary) + 281 sq in (firebox) | Fuel gauge and 3-burner gas side |
| Grills House 2-Burner Combo Grill | Charcoal & Gas | 1020 sq in total | Offset smoker and side burner |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830S | Charcoal & Offset Smoker | 475 sq in + 197 sq in offset smoker | Two-level adjustable charcoal pan |
| Char-Griller E5030 | Charcoal & Gas | 606 sq in (primary) + 264+ sq in (gas not specified) | Large total cook area with ash pan |
| Captiva Designs Dual Fuel | Propane & Charcoal | 690 sq in total | Independent control of gas and charcoal grills |
style=”margin-top: 1em;”>Product Reviews
The following selections focus on models that pair charcoal with an additional fuel source, typically propane, while offering generous cooking areas and optional features like offset smokers, side burners, or integrated gauges. Each product section below stays within a practical description window to help you assess suitability for family gatherings, weekend cooks, or larger outdoor events.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill
The Canyon Combo is a two-in-one setup with a horizontal charcoal chamber and a side firebox to enable slow-smoking with indirect heat. The 3-burner gas grill runs on propane and delivers up to 36,000 BTU, supporting quick preheating and even high-heat performance. The primary cooking area offers ample space for smokers and grill items, with a 750-square-inch main grate and a 281-square-inch firebox grate. Three tool hooks help keep essential grilling tools within reach. This model suits backyard cooks who want both authentic charcoal flavor and the speed of gas grilling in one unit.
Cooking versatility is evident in capacity for substantial batches: smoke up to two pork shoulders or grill 12 burgers on the main grate. The firebox grate accommodates roughly 15 wings or 6 burgers for quick, high-volume meals. While the product page notes that hardwood splits or chunks are sold separately, most users appreciate the flexibility to choose their preferred wood flavor profile. The Canyon’s design emphasizes straightforward fuel management and robust heat control for balanced smoke and heat distribution.
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
The Grills House model combines a charcoal grill with an attached offset smoker and a side burner, delivering a total cooking area of about 1020 square inches. The setup supports simultaneous tasks—gas zone for quick searing and charcoal for deeper smoky flavors—while the offset smoker adds a dedicated smoke pathway for enhanced flavor. The design enables efficient management of heat and smoke with a side access door for adding charcoal and removing ashes, which helps maintain consistent temperatures during longer cooks.
In daily use, this dual-fuel system offers flexibility for big family gatherings or weekend barbecues. The primary grilling space, gas and charcoal zones, and offset smoker provide multiple temperature zones, which can help you run different menus at once. The built-in architecture is particularly attractive to cooks who want the option to control flavor profiles through wood or charcoal while still leveraging gas convenience for day-to-day grilling tasks.
Royal Gourmet CC1830S BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
The Royal Gourmet CC1830S pairs a 475-square-inch charcoal cooking area with a 197-square-inch offset smoker, connected to a built-in design that supports steady airflow and even heat. The offset smoker is attached to the main grill to optimize heat and smoke circulation, helping achieve consistent smoky flavors. An air vent and an adjustable two-level lifting rack add control over temperature and cooking height, aiding cooks who want more precise management of heat during longer smoking sessions or finish-cooking phases. The unit emphasizes user-friendly operation with accessible ash handling and smoke control features.
With its sizable cooking surface and integrated smoker, the CC1830S is well-suited for gatherings where you want both raw charcoal flavor and the convenience of a single stand-alone setup. The two-level adjustable charcoal pan helps fine-tune distance to the food, which is essential for balancing smoky intensity with meat reach. This model is a strong fit for hosts who regularly prepare larger cuts and want a straightforward, attached offset smoker experience.
Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner Grill and Smoker
The Char-Griller option combines a gas and charcoal setup in a single footprint, offering a broad total cooking area of 870 square inches, with a primary zone around 606 square inches. It includes an easy-dump ash pan for straightforward cleanup after charcoal cooks. This model provides a reliable balance between heat control and fuel flexibility, making it a practical choice for cooks who want a large-capacity grill that can switch between quick weeknight meals and longer, slow-smoked dishes. The dual-function design is designed to simplify multi-zone cooking in one device.
In terms of versatility, users gain the ability to sear and grill with gas while moving to charcoal for smoky flavor, with the added convenience of an ash management system. The expansive cooking area supports feeding larger groups, with room for a variety of food types—steaks, burgers, ribs, or poultry—without crowding the grates. The E5030’s modular approach is attractive for users who value long-term durability and straightforward operation in a backyard setting.
Captiva Designs Dual Fuel Grill Combo
The Captiva Designs dual fuel system emphasizes independent control between its gas grill and charcoal grill components, with a total 690-square-inch cooking area. The layout supports flexible cooking strategies for gatherings, including the option to run one side gas-powered for consistent salmonella-free burgers and the charcoal side for deeper smoky flavors. The dual-control arrangement facilitates experimenting with different flavor profiles during larger meals and events, while the compact footprint keeps setup practical for home patios or smaller outdoor spaces.
The combination of separate zones, roomy cooking space, and adjustable controls enables cooks to tailor heat and smoke to specific dishes. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and side-by-side burner configuration help distribute heat evenly and simplify maintenance compared with more fragmented setups. This model is suitable for hosts who want a flexible, all-in-one outdoor kitchen experience with multiple fuel choices.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations And Comparisons
When choosing a best-in-class combo smoker and grill, consider how you will use the unit most often and what matters most for your cooking style. Key factors include:
- Fuel mix and flavor: Decide whether you prefer true charcoal smoke with the option of gas for speed, or a true gas-first approach with charcoal flavor as a secondary option.
- Cooking area: Evaluate total square inches and how it divides between primary grilling, warming zones, and any offset smoker. Larger families may need more space and multi-zone flexibility.
- Heat management: Look for adjustable vents, fuel gauges, and multi-level racks to control temperature precisely during long smokes.
- Maintenance and cleanup: Features like ash pans, easy-access doors, and removable grates reduce cleanup time after cooks.
- Portability vs. stability: Consider the weight and wheel setup for patio placement or transport to events.
- Accessories and expansion: Side burners, warming racks, or extra charcoal baskets can expand capabilities for multi-course meals.
In-depth comparisons reveal trade-offs between models. For example, a larger total cooking area supports more cooking concurrently but may require more space and fuel management effort. An integrated offset smoker helps achieve distinct smoky flavors but may complicate airflow control. Models with fuel gauges reduce the risk of running out of propane mid-cook, a practical feature for longer sessions. Finally, the ability to separately manage gas and charcoal zones provides flexibility for different menu items and guest preferences.