If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the BEST gas charcoal combo grill is, then we recommend the Char-Broil Gas2Coal and Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 as the best ones.
While some grillers can’t live without the charred, smoky quality of food cooked over a charcoal fire, others praise the instant gratification that their propane-fueled units provide. But did you know that there are units available that combine the qualities of both grill types? Read on to learn more about the best gas charcoal combo grills (hybrid grills) on the current market.
In this article, we’re going to review the following hybrid grills:
- Smoke Hollow TC3718SB
- Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 PS9900
- Royal Gourmet ZH3003
- Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1
- Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo
- Fire Magic Aurora A830i
- Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D
- Durable Outdoor Barbeque & Burger
- Char-Griller 5050 Duo
- Char-Griller 5030
- Char-Broil Deluxe 1010
- Char-Broil Gas2Coal 4-Burner
- Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner
Shopping for a Hybrid Grill: What You Need To Know
In order to seek out the best gas charcoal combo grill you can find, you’ll need a basic understanding of what the product offers. When you’ve finished reading this section, you should be armed with the information you need.
What is a hybrid grill?
A hybrid grill (sometimes called a combo grill) utilizes two different types of fuel. This usually means that it can run off of either charcoal or gas, but there are also infrared/gas combos available. For the purposes of this review, we’ve focused only on the gas charcoal combo grills.
Typically, these units will feature two separate fireboxes, but there are some that use the same firebox for both grilling functions. Bear in mind that even if they share a firebox, some units will allow you to operate just one at a time. This means that while you have the option of grilling over either gas or charcoal, you can’t toggle back and forth between the two during the same cooking session.
Many of the best hybrid grills are dual-sided, with the gas jets on one side and charcoal vents on the other. While these can be convenient to use, they also have one major drawback: You’ll have less grilling space when using only one cooking application at a time.
What are the advantages of a hybrid grill?
First and foremost, these grills allow you to choose between the convenience of gas grilling and the prized flavor of charcoal-fired food. If you’re in a hurry, all you need to do is fire up the gas side of the grill. If you’d prefer to take your time and turn out authentic barbecue, then the charcoal side has you covered there as well.
The versatility of hybrid grills makes them a good choice for inexperienced outdoor cooks. If the model allows you to switch back and forth between grilling styles, you can get your meat started on the gas side while the coals are heating up. Then, when everything is cooked through, you can finish it off with a good hard sear. Since it can be a challenge to cook meat to the proper temperature and consistency when using a charcoal grill, this is an excellent benefit.
Finally, if you enjoy grilling with both gas and charcoal but don’t have the room or the funds for two units, a combo model can help you save on both. While using your hybrid grill, you might ultimately decide that you prefer one grilling application to the other. Fortunately, at that point, you’ll already have the equipment that you need.
What’s the best way to use a hybrid grill?
For lunches or busy weeknights, the gas side of the combo grill can be a godsend. Just fire up the burners, toss on your ingredients, and you can be enjoying a cooked-out meal within minutes. Conversely, when you’re entertaining large groups and want to show off your grilling prowess, you can stoke up the coals for a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue.
If you decide to invest in a unit with two fireboxes that can be operated simultaneously, you’ll have even more opportunities to get creative. Just be sure you have enough grilling space for all the ingredients you’re planning to cook. To take a closer look at a hybrid grill in action, check out this demonstration on YouTube:
How to Choose the Best Hybrid Grill
So what qualities should you look for in a hybrid grill? Here’s a short list to help you get started. Remember that some of these categories are subjective—only you can decide which is the best grill for you.
Construction
A great hybrid grill will be solidly constructed, using only quality materials. That’s true of any grill, but when they’re designed to be as versatile as these models, you’ll want to be sure that they can hold up to frequent use.
The overall construct of the grill should be heavy-gauge steel. Look for cooking grates made of durable restaurant-grade steel or cast iron. These may be coated in porcelain to make cleanup easier. The gas burners should be stainless steel and easily accessible when the grates are removed. All-terrain wheels are also a plus, especially if they’re outfitted with locking casters for safety.
Size
Make sure you invest in a grill that has enough space to suit your needs. Singles, couples, and small families should be able to get by with around 400 square inches of grilling space. If you plan on entertaining often, or if you have a large family, look for a unit that can accommodate more ingredients.
Price
Try to buy the best hybrid grill that you can afford, without going overboard. Remember that this purchase is meant to last for many years. If you’re a four-season griller, you’ll get a quicker return on your investment.
Ease of Assembly
Setting up your new grill shouldn’t take any longer than a couple of hours at most. If it takes longer, it’s possible that the instructions were unclear, or that the box contained insufficient parts.
Ease of Use
Similarly, once your unit has been set up, the grilling experience should be straightforward and enjoyable. It also helps a great deal if the unit is easy to clean, which is why you should look for porcelain-coated grilling grates if possible.
Safety Precautions
As we mentioned earlier, locking casters on the wheels are a plus, especially if the unit has been set up on less-than-stable terrain. Try to choose a flat surface for your hybrid grill, and never attempt to move the unit when it’s in use.
You should always make sure the burner control valves are switched to the “OFF” position before turning on the gas supply to the unit. If the burners don’t ignite within five seconds, turn off the ignition switch and wait several minutes before trying again.
For charcoal grilling, take care when adding extra coals to the fire. If the unit has a charcoal drawer, open it a few inches (never all the way) and shake it gently to allow the embers to settle before adding more fuel. Always wear protective heat-proof gloves when performing this operation. Finally, make sure the coals have died out completely before turning in for the night.
Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill: Product Reviews
#1 Smoke Hollow Gas-Charcoal-Smoker Combination Grill
This rugged cart-style grill features a side burner and a lower shelf for storage, as well as an attached smoker box. The dual fireboxes allow you to perform all three cooking applications at once, and the smoker turns out excellent pulled pork and brisket. This gives the Smoke Hollow Combination Grill an amazing degree of versatility, even for a hybrid model.
You might also be interested in checking our list of the best smoker grill combos.
This unit offers a total of 858 square inches of grilling space, enough to accommodate larger groups. The cooking grates and flare guards are constructed of porcelain-coated steel, and two chrome-plated warming racks are included in the purchase. Separate temperature gauges are available, so you can keep an eye on the progress of all your ingredients at once. The control system is somewhat rudimentary, but on the plus side, it does make the unit much simpler to use.
Two of the legs come equipped with sturdy wheels to make the unit more portable. While the overall construction is solid, some of the exterior parts are of noticeably lesser quality than the rest. For example, the attached chimney on the charcoal side is a bit small and chintzy for a grill of this size. Still, considering the low price tag, this offering from Smoke Hollow can be considered a bargain.
Pros:
- Exceptionally versatile, with smoking option
- Plenty of storage space
- Dual fireboxes
- Porcelain-coated grill grates and flare guards
- Reasonable price point
Cons:
- Instructions can be difficult to follow
- Some low-quality parts
- Gas side is prone to flare-ups
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#2 Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 Gas Charcoal Smoker
Like the previous offering, this unit can be used for smoking as well as grilling with either charcoal or gas. However, it also has a fourth feature: an infrared burner that helps you get that perfect sear on grilled meats and vegetables. The gas firebox is equipped with three burners, and its grilling surface can accommodate up to 20 hamburger patties at once. The lid of the smoker box can be used as a side shelf, but there are also two tiered wire shelves beneath the charcoal firebox for additional storage.
The 4-in-1 combo grill features 860 square inches of grilling space, not counting the infrared burner. Even if you’re only using one firebox at a time, this is a generous amount of space by any standards. The gas and charcoal components are outfitted with individual temperature gauges, as is the attached smoker box.
The steel used in the construction of this grill is on the thinner side, but it does seem to hold up well to repeated use. The layout is a little bit tricky—an understandable quirk, given how versatile this unit is. It can also be difficult to get the smoker up to the desired temperature, but there are seals available that can help to offset this problem.
Pros:
- Extremely versatile, with infrared searing burner included
- Ample grilling space
- Easy to assemble, especially considering the size
Cons:
- Confusing design
- Smoker box can be finicky
- Rusts easily if not covered and stored properly
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#3 Royal Gourmet Gas/Charcoal Combo Grill
Royal Gourmet offers several similar models: The the ZS-3002S, the ZS-3003, and the ZS-3003S. The “S” versions are constructed of stainless steel and feature double cabinets beneath the dual fireboxes. The ZS-3003, meanwhile, is made of coated steel and boasts an open cart-style design. All of these models allow you to operate the gas and charcoal functions simultaneously. They also come equipped with two side shelves for additional storage.
Here’s a short breakdown on the combo grills in the Royal Gourmet lineup:
ZS-3002S
- 742 square inches of cooking space
- Three stainless steel burners
- Slide-out ash tray beneath charcoal firebox
- Two casters and two wheels for stability and maneuverability
- Heavy-duty steel lids for heat retention
ZS-3003
- 810 square inches of cooking space
- Three adjustable gas burners
- Grease drip cup and tray included on gas side
- Slide-out ash tray beneath charcoal firebox
- Front and upper dampers on charcoal side allow for precise temperature control
ZS-3003S
- 610 square inches of cooking space
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grill grates
- Two 105-square inch warming racks included (one for each side)
- Three stainless steel burners
- Grease drip cup included on gas side
- Removable ash tray beneath charcoal firebox
- Slide-away air vent on charcoal side
These units are set at a significantly low price point, considering their size. While that makes them an attractive option for the bargain shoppers out there, be aware that they might not last as long as some of the competition.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- User-friendly
- Plenty of storage and prep space
- Effective grease and ash management systems
Cons:
- Not as durable as some higher-priced models
- Four-wheel design may decrease the unit’s stability
- Some parts reported missing upon delivery
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#4 Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Gas/Charcoal/Smoker
This massive unit offers an electric analog smoker, in addition to its other features. Unlike the Smoke Hollow units, the Pit Boss is configured so that the smoker sits below the gas and charcoal fireboxes. This means that you’ll have to either squat or bend over when taking things in and out of the smoker. The unit is flanked by twin infrared burners, which can be converted to shelves when not in use. The layout is slightly haphazard, but it features plenty of storage to go along with its overall versatility.
The Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate has enough cooking space to accommodate the entire neighborhood. The grilling area alone offers a total of 1,327 square inches, while the electric smoker has an additional 840. Three stainless steel burners crank out 36,000 BTUs for maximum grilling performance on the gas side. Meanwhile, the adjustable grate and dampers on the charcoal firebox allow you to achieve maximum control over the temperature.
Porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates make cleanup easier, and the included warming racks give you a place to rest your meat after cooking. The unit is equipped with two drawers that allow you to stash your barbecue tools safely. Lastly, note that the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate is outfitted with four casters instead of wheels, which could make maneuverability somewhat problematic.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 versatility with electric analog smoker and infrared burners
- Durable construction
- Good temperature control on gas and smoker components
Cons:
- Tricky, awkward layout
- Comes with numerous stickers attached, which are difficult to remove
- Smoker door must be opened in order to refill water pan, resulting in temperature swings
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#5 Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/Gas/Smoker Combo
I’m a big fan of the open cart-style design and barrel shape of this unit. The attached smoker box is generously sized, with a coil-style handle to match the ones on the gas and charcoal components. All in all, this model offers 1,060 square inches of cooking space, with 750 inches on the gas side and 310 in the charcoal chamber. While this could be disappointing for charcoal enthusiasts, it should be sufficient if you plan to use the gas component as your primary cooking surface.
The grilling grates are made of porcelain-coated cast iron, and the gas side utilizes three high-quality burners that crank out 12,000 BTUs apiece. An additional side burner can be used to light the charcoal chimney starter.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty construction on main cooking chamber
- Turns out excellent results across a variety of cooking styles
- Side smoker is conveniently placed and easy to use
Cons:
- Area around the gas grilling grates is poorly constructed
- Some issues reported with temperature control in gas cooking chamber
- Relatively high price point
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#6 Fire Magic Aurora A830i Gas And Charcoal Combo Grill With Rotisserie
This unit’s claim to fame is its built-in rotisserie, which can be a great option for fans of barbecued chicken and other flame-roasted meats. This is a tabletop grill, so buyers should make sure they have a stable platform on which to rest it before making their purchase final. In addition to the 16,000-BTU rear rotisserie, the Aurora A830i offers 828 total square inches of cooking space, and can be used for grilling, searing, and smoking.
The stainless steel construct features built-in grilling grates, with an adjustable height option on the charcoal firebox to allow for better control over the temperature. I especially love the built-in LED lights that turn red to alert you when the burners are in use. This model comes equipped with two removable warming racks, as well as a drip pan on the gas side for efficient grease management.
The price point on the Aurora A830i might be considerably higher than you were expecting, so be prepared for a bout of sticker shock. It’s also very heavy for a tabletop grill—plan on enlisting a friend or two to help with assembly. Finally, note that Fire Magic offers a lifetime warranty with this purchase.
Pros:
- Built-in rear rotisserie
- Convenient and creative LED lighting
- E-shaped gas burners for overall effectiveness
- Adjustable height on charcoal pan
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Extremely high price point
- Heavy and awkward to assemble
- Must be placed on a stable surface (no legs attached)
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#7 Dyna-Glo Dual Fuel Grill
This Dyna-Glo grill offers up 952 square inches of grilling space, which could accommodate up to 40 hamburger patties if they’re modestly sized. The “modest” designation doesn’t apply to the proportions of this unit, which is broad and bulky, with double cabinets beneath the gas and charcoal fireboxes. Two side shelves are also included, giving this grill a sizable footprint, but also a great deal of storage space.
The burners on the Dual Fuel grill are constructed of commercial-grade stainless steel, which makes them both durable and easy to clean. The grilling grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron, and capable of retaining a great deal of heat for searing. As with the Fire Magic grill, the charcoal tray can be adjusted for height. The ignition system on the gas side is swift and efficient, featuring electronic pulse control.
Pros:
- Swift assembly
- Good value for the price
- Easy to clean
- Generous size
Cons:
- Should be treated to avoid rust
- May not last as long as some similarly sized models
- Dyna-Glo often faces significant shipping problems
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#8 Backyard Grill Gas/Charcoal Grill Combo
Backyard Grill’s combo unit features a total of 557 square inches of grilling space—262 on the charcoal side, with 295 on the gas component. While this might be enough to suit couples and smaller families, this probably isn’t the best choice if you plan on using only one cooking application at a time. However, the unit does come equipped with chrome-plated warming racks and a heat plate to bulk up the cooking area.
The three-burner grill component has a reliable integrated ignition system, and the side burner offers an additional 12,000 BTUs of cooking power. The design is cart-style, with two sturdy wheels and a built-in wire shelf. There are also several tool hooks for keeping equipment close at hand.
My main complaint with the Backyard Grill Gas/Charcoal combo is the design, which is utilitarian and somewhat homely. The control panels add to this awkwardness, with instructions printed out in miniscule lettering. Given its low price point, however, you might be willing to overlook its aesthetic flaws.
Pros:
- Low price point
- Extras (such as a rotisserie kit) available for an additional price
- Performs well in inclement weather
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Small grilling surface
- Control panels are too busy
- Wire shelf is on the flimsy side
- Awkward design
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#9 Char Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
With a grand total of 1260 square inches of cooking space, the Char Griller 5050 is a safe bet for large families or people who love to entertain. The gas grilling component features three burners, with an additional side burner that cranks out 12,000 BTUs. On the charcoal side, the adjustable grate allows for consistent results when it comes to temperature, and the ash pan is easily removed for a quick cleanup.
The cooking grates on the Char Griller 5050 are constructed of cast iron, with a porcelain finish. A chrome-plated warming rack keeps breads and side dishes from wilting while you’re waiting for the rest of the meal to finish cooking. The price point is quite reasonable for a grill of this size, but be forewarned that the construction matches the cost. You should expect to get a maximum of two to three years out of this grill.
Pros:
- Generous amount of grilling space
- Low price point
- Offers four-season versatility
- Rotisserie kit available for an additional price
Cons:
- Lower-quality construction than some comparable units
- Takes a long time to assemble
- Wire shelf is positioned awkwardly and prone to collapse
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#10 Char-Griller 5030 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller 5030 offers up a grand total of 870 square inches of grilling space, with the majority of that space dedicated to the charcoal side. That could make this an especially appealing option for charcoal devotees who want the option of a gas grill during the colder months. An easy-dump ash drawer and porcelain coated cast iron grates help to keep cleanup to a minimum. The unit is also equipped for a side smoker, which is sold separately.
The construction of the Char-Griller 5030 is fairly solid, especially considering the low price tag. I especially appreciate the heavy-duty side handle on the charcoal component, which helps cut down on the risk of burns. The cart-style design is outfitted with sturdy legs and two durable wheels for maneuverability.
Be aware that the size and configuration of this grill could make it difficult to use both the gas and charcoal components at one time, despite the dual fireboxes. While they’re designed to burn simultaneously, the lids tend to clash together during use.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble
- User-friendly
- Solid construction
- Can be equipped with a smoker component (sold separately)
Cons:
- Confusing arc design on the ignition system
- Gas grilling area is a tad cramped
- Difficult to use both cooking applications at the same time
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#11 Char-Broil 1010 Series
For this review, we’ll cover two of the grills in this series: The Char-Broil Standard 1010, which features an open cart-style design; and its counterpart, the 1010 Deluxe, which comes outfitted with double cabinets. Aside from the difference in design, the units are virtually interchangeable. Both are charcoal and gas combination grills with 505 total square inches of primary cooking space and an additional side burner. The gas grilling component features three burners, and the grate on the charcoal burner can be adjusted for height. The ash drawer slides out easily, but remember not to remove it until the coals are still hot.
Both the cast-iron cooking grates and the wire swing-away rack are coated in porcelain, so food particles and grease will come off easily. Since the Standard and the Deluxe models are so similar when it comes to operation and performance, the choice between the two comes down to a matter of personal preference. I’m a fan of the cart-style design myself, but if you’re planning on using the grill in cold and wet weather, the cabinets on the Deluxe model could come in handy.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Fairly easy to assemble
- Durable materials
- Choice between cart-style or cabinet design
Cons:
- Relatively small cooking surface
- Ash removal can be messy
- Char-Broil is notorious for its shipping issues (some parts may arrive damaged or missing)
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#12 Char-Broil Gas2Coal 4-Burner Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill
Unlike the majority of the units on this list, which feature distinctly separate fireboxes, you can use the entire cooking surface of the Gas2Coal for either gas or charcoal grilling. You can also configure the space to accommodate both styles at once, although you might not be as pleased with the results. The primary cooking surface offers 530 square inches of space, with an additional 180 square inches available on the lower warming rack.
The powerful gas burners are constructed of rugged stainless steel, and the cast-iron grilling grates have a porcelain finish. The overall quality is on the higher end, with heavy parts that are a snap to assemble. Unfortunately, the charcoal tray is set a bit too close to the cooking grates, with no way to adjust it. That leaves very little space between the meat and the ash, leading to potential flare-ups.
Pros:
- Adequate grilling space
- Can be configured to cook using gas and/or charcoal, or both at once
- Heavy, durable construction
Cons:
- Grates are not adjustable, making charcoal grilling more of a challenge
- Difficult to achieve desired results when using both grilling applications at one time
- Warming rack is situated below the cooking surface
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
#13 Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill
This unit is identical to the Gas2Coal 4-Burner unit, with the obvious exception of the fourth burner. Despite its smaller size, it features nearly as much grilling space, with 530 square inches available in the primary cooking area and an additional 120 on the lower warming rack. A side burner and prep shelf round out the unit.
While the Gas2Coal units are ideal for grillers who enjoy using only one type of fuel at one time, this model’s diminutive size could make it difficult to switch back and forth during the same cooking session. If you’d prefer to fire up both the gas and charcoal components at once, you would probably be better off with another model.
Pros:
- Sturdily built
- Easy to assemble and clean
- Can use the entire cooking surface for either charcoal or gas grilling
- Generous amount of grilling space for a smaller unit
Cons:
- Too small to toggle back and forth between gas and charcoal
- Temperature control can be finicky
- Charcoal fire is too close to grilling grates
>> Check Price on Amazon <<
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all hybrid grills use a combination of gas and charcoal?
While the “hybrid” and “combo” designations typically refer to grills that can run off of either charcoal or propane, it’s important to check the product specifications carefully. Sometimes, a retailer will market a grill as a hybrid simply because it uses two different types of gas. For example, some units can be configured to run off of either propane or natural gas. The aforementioned infrared/gas hybrid is another alternative. Since you’re looking specifically for a gas and charcoal hybrid unit, make sure that there’s a charcoal option before making your purchase.
How much cooking space will I need for a family of four?
A family of four to six people should be able to get by easily with about 500 square inches of cooking space. Smaller units are best suited for tailgating, while larger grills are designed to accommodate big crowds and die-hard grill masters.
Are hybrid grills more expensive than units that run off a single fuel source?
In most cases, you can expect to pay slightly more for a hybrid unit than for a comparable gas- or charcoal-only unit. That said, there are plenty of models available that fit within a modest budget.
Why do so many manufacturers coat the grilling racks with porcelain? Are there any health risks involved in this practice?
While cast iron and heavy-gauge stainless steel are durable materials and well-suited for grilling, they also have a tendency to rust. Applying a non-corrosive coating like porcelain inhibits the formation of iron oxide, thereby ensuring that your cooking grates will remain in good working order for a longer period of time. It also makes them far easier to clean, which is equally important. Since porcelain is a non-reactive material, it won’t interfere with the flavor of the food, nor does it pose any health hazards.
Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grill: The Verdict
So, of all the grills listed here, which one qualifies as the best hybrid grill on the market?
The Char-Broil Gas2Coal Grill has many of the qualities we would look for in a hybrid unit. The gas component is particularly powerful for this type of grill, the conversion is simple, and the size is generous without being overwhelming. It’s also convenient that the side burner can pull double duty as a shelf when it’s not in use. If you’re in the market for a full-sized model, this could be a great option.
Also, despite a few minor shortcomings, I prefer Smoke Hollow’s 4-in-1 unit to the rest. The included smoker box is a real plus, and the infrared burner covers all the bases when it comes to searing. I also appreciate the extra storage afforded by the wire shelves, and the fact that the smoker can double as a prepping area. The grilling space is more than adequate, and the construction is durable yet relatively lightweight. In short, it checks off all the boxes that I would list when shopping for a gas/charcoal hybrid grill—and throws in a few extras that I might not have thought of.
Whichever model you choose, I hope it brings you many happy hours of grilling, with impressive results to show for them. Wishing you the best of luck on the next stage of your grilling journey!
