Choosing the right backyard grill that uses both charcoal and propane offers the best of both worlds—convenience and rich smoky flavor. This article reviews the top 5 highly rated combination grills that feature dual-fuel options, spacious cooking areas, and added accessories like side burners or smokers to enhance your outdoor cooking experience. Below is a summary table of these grills putting key features at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Cooking Area (sq.in.) | Fuel Types | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Captiva Designs Combo Grill | Captiva Designs | 690 | Propane & Charcoal | Side Burner, Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates |
| 3 Burner Propane Gas & Charcoal Grill | GREEN PARTY | 685 | Propane & Charcoal | Side Burner, Height-Adjustable Charcoal Pan |
| Grills House 2-Burner Combo Grill With Smoker | Grills House | 1020 | Propane & Charcoal | Offset Smoker, Side Burner |
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Combo Grill | Royal Gourmet | Unspecified | Propane & Charcoal | Two Side Shelves, Wheels for Mobility |
| Brand-Man Propane & Charcoal Grill Combo | BRANDMAN GRILLS SINCE 1987 | 678 | Propane & Charcoal | Dual Lids, Slide-Out Ash Tray |
Captiva Designs Propane Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo
This grill combo by Captiva Designs features a dual fuel design combining both propane gas and charcoal grilling. You can use either grill independently, which allows versatile cooking options whether you want quick propane heat or smoky charcoal flavor. It offers a large 690 sq.in. cooking space divided into a 520 sq.in. porcelain-enameled cast iron primary cooking area and a 170 sq.in. warming rack. The upgraded cast iron grates offer even heat distribution while resisting rust and cracking. A side burner adds even greater cooking versatility, perfect for sauces or side dishes when grilling.
GREEN PARTY 3 Burner Propane & Charcoal Grill Combo
The GREEN PARTY combo grill offers excellent heat management with 37,000 BTUs and a charcoal side with a height-adjustable charcoal pan for fine temperature control. This means you can sear steaks using the gas burners simultaneously while slow-cooking ribs on charcoal. Its 685 sq.in. cooking area includes durable porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and an additional side burner for multi-dish preparation. This design helps save space and provides cooking versatility for varied grilling preferences.
Grills House 2-Burner Combo Grill With Offset Smoker
This robust combo grill features a massive 1020 sq. in. total cooking surface, which includes a 333 sq.in. gas grill, 333 sq.in. charcoal grill, warming rack, and a 197 sq. in. offset smoker. The smoker allows for authentic, slow-cooked smoky flavor with perfect heat circulation. Being a dual fuel option, it combines charcoal flavor with gas convenience plus an extra side burner for additional cooking needs. Suitable for large gatherings, it holds up to 36 burgers at once.
Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill
The Royal Gourmet ZH3002N offers a 2-in-1 dual fuel setup with side-by-side propane and charcoal grills, perfect for users wanting the best of both fuel types. It comes equipped with two side shelves for ample prep space and three hooks on each side to hang tools conveniently. Mobility is easy thanks to two 6-inch wheels and two lockable casters. The overall layout suits backyard grilling sessions with preparation close at hand.
Brand-Man Dual Fuel Propane & Charcoal Grill Combo
Brand-Man’s dual fuel grill combo offers a 678 sq.in. cooking area including a 472 sq.in. cast iron grilling surface and a 206 sq.in. warming rack. The grill comes with independently controlled zones for flexible cooking on both propane and charcoal. Heavy-duty cast iron grates ensure durability and rust resistance. Cleanup is simplified thanks to a slide-out ash tray for charcoal and a removable grease cup for propane, making post-grill maintenance fuss-free.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Backyard Charcoal and Propane Combo Grill
When selecting a dual fuel backyard grill, consider the following factors to find one that fits your cooking style and space:
Fuel Versatility and Control
Look for grills that offer independently controlled propane and charcoal zones. This allows you to switch between quick gas cooking and flavorful charcoal grilling easily, depending on your needs. Adjustable charcoal pans or burners can enhance temperature management.
Cooking Area Size
Choose a cooking area that matches your typical gatherings. For families and casual parties, 600-700 sq.in. is ample. Larger spaces above 1000 sq.in. suit those who entertain frequently or cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
Material and Grate Quality
Durable materials like porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide even heat distribution and resist rust and cracking. Cast iron offers excellent heat retention, ideal for searing.
Additional Features
- Side burners add convenient cooking space for sauces or side dishes.
- Offset smokers integrate additional smoky flavor for low-and-slow cooking enthusiasts.
- Prep space via side shelves and tool hooks keep all essentials organized and within reach.
- Mobility features like wheels and locking casters help relocate your grill effortlessly.
Maintenance and Cleanup
Look for grills with easy-to-remove ash trays or grease cups to simplify cleaning. Slide-out trays can save time after grilling.
By evaluating these factors, you can select a backyard dual-fuel grill that brings both convenience and authentic grilling flavor to your outdoor culinary adventures.