For backyard cooks who crave authentic charcoal flavor with the convenience of gas, dual-fuel grills offering both charcoal and gas options are a smart choice. These setups let you sear with gas and finish with charcoal, or keep sides and sauces warm on the built-in burner. Below is a curated list of five top dual-fuel grills that blend smoke, heat, and versatility for outdoor cooking. Each section highlights key features to help you compare capabilities and select the right fit for gatherings big and small.
| Product | Brand | Primary Cooking Area | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Combo | Grills House | 666 sq. in. primary + 333 charcoal; 1020 total | Offset smoker with side burner |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo DLX | Oklahoma Joe’s | Primary 750 sq. in.; total 1,434 sq. in. | Fuel gauge and large total space |
| Char-Griller Texas Trio | Char-Griller | 1390 sq. in. total | Side burner and Side Firebox |
| Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus 3-in-1 | Char-Griller | 1,260 sq. in. cooking area | Griddle insert and dual fuel |
| Captiva Designs Propane/Gas Charcoal Combo | Captiva Designs | 690 sq. in. main area | Independent gas and charcoal sections |
Note: The following selections emphasize dual-fuel systems (gas and charcoal) with integrated smoking or offset features, suitable for achieving smoky flavor alongside straightforward grilling. All sections reference product features, capacity, and design that support flexible outdoor cooking.
Grills House 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Combo
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC blends charcoal flavor with gas grilling in a single compact unit. It features a dual-fuel layout that includes an attached offset smoker and a side burner, offering a total cooking area of 1020 square inches. The primary zone splits into gas and charcoal sections, with an offset smoker delivering enhanced smoke circulation. A side door aids charcoal adds and ash removal, supporting convenient maintenance during longer cooks. This configuration is ideal for cooks who want smoky results without sacrificing quick-searing capability.
Key considerations include the balance between the 666 sq. in. primary cooking area and the additional 333 sq. in. charcoal zone, plus the 157 sq. in. warming rack and 197 sq. in. offset smoker area. For gatherings, the capacity supports approximately 36 burgers simultaneously, making it suitable for backyard parties or neighborhood cookouts. The unit’s versatility makes it a practical choice for cooks who want offset smoking alongside gas grilling in one package.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker
This combo unit from Oklahoma Joe’s combines a horizontal charcoal chamber with a side firebox and a 3-burner gas grill. The 750-square-inch primary cooking area supports moderate crowd sizes, while the larger total space—up to 1,434 sq. in.—accommodates multiple food items at different cooking stages. The combo design allows low-and-slow smoking with indirect heat from charcoal, while the gas grill offers rapid heat and quick searing. It also includes tool hooks to keep grilling essentials within reach.
Key considerations include the separate fuel systems (charcoal and propane) and the air-flow control required for steady smoking. The unit is designed for flexible cooking: you can smoke meats in the main chamber and simultaneously grill burgers or wings on the gas section. A built-in fuel gauge helps monitor propane levels to prevent mid-cook interruptions.
Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Grill & Smoker
The Char-Griller Texas Trio combines a gas and charcoal setup with a dedicated Side Firebox for Texas-style off-set smoking. With a total of 1,390 square inches of cooking space, it provides ample room for large gatherings. Three stainless steel main burners plus an additional side burner deliver versatile heat control, allowing quick sears on the gas side while running indirect or offset smoking on the charcoal side. This model emphasizes expansion potential for cooks who want a robust, large-capacity setup.
Considerations include the need to manage two separate heat sources and the potential space requirements for installation in a backyard or patio. The Side Firebox enables authentic smoking methods but requires attention to airflow and fuel management to ensure consistent results across both fuel modes. The combination is well-suited for multi-discipline cooks who frequently host backyard events.
Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus 3-in-1 Grill
The Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus offers a three-in-one setup with gas, charcoal, and a griddle insert, enabling a range of cooking styles from quick weeknight meals to hearty weekend gatherings. At 1,260 cooking square inches, the unit provides substantial space for various dishes, while the included flat-top griddle expands menu options to pancakes, fajitas, burgers, and breakfast items. The charcoal side provides smoky flavor, while the gas side supports fast heat and precise temperature control. This model appeals to cooks who want a highly versatile outdoor kitchen in a single structure.
Key considerations include the need to remove grate inserts to switch between gas and charcoal, and the potential for higher upfront complexity due to the three-in-one design. The griddle add-on is a notable convenience for diverse cooking styles, and the dual-fuel capability supports both flavor and speed in a single session.
Captiva Designs Propane Gas & Charcoal Combo
The Captiva Designs combo brings independently controlled gas and charcoal grills with a 690 square-inch total cooking area. A spacious 61-inch counter-length supports multiple prep zones, while separate fuel sources let you tailor your cooking method to the dish. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates on the gas and charcoal sections are designed for even heat distribution and durability. This setup is well-suited for outdoor events where hosts want the flexibility to switch between quick gas grilling and longer charcoal smoking without moving to a separate unit.
Key considerations include ensuring adequate ventilation on the patio and planning fuel logistics if using both fuel types in parallel. The independent control allows precise temperature management across zones, and the counter space is a practical advantage for entertaining guests or prepping sides and sauces during a cook.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations for Charcoal-Gas Dual-Fuel Grills
When evaluating dual-fuel grills that combine charcoal flavor with gas convenience, several factors determine how well a unit will serve your needs. Below are essential considerations to help you compare options objectively:
Cooking Space and Zoning
Look for total cooking area, primary grilling space, and any secondary zones such as warming racks or offset smokers. Larger parties benefit from more total space, but consider how much of that area you will use for charcoal versus gas. Some models allocate distinct zones to charcoal and gas, while others integrate an offset smoker or firebox for smoking within the same unit.
Fuel Flexibility and Control
Dual-fuel grills should provide reliable gas ignition and straightforward charcoal management. Features like independent temperature controls for each zone, integrated fuel gauges, and accessible ash management improve usability during long cooks. If smoking is a priority, an offset smoker or dedicated smoking chamber is a strong plus.
Durability and Build Quality
Stainless steel burners, porcelain-enameled grates, and robust housings offer longer life in outdoor environments. Consider how easy the unit is to clean, how well it handles high heat, and whether the grates maintain even heat distribution over time. Warping resistance in metal components is an additional benefit.
Maintenance and Accessories
Evaluate ash cleanup frequency, lubrication needs for rotating dampers, and the availability of compatible replacement parts. Accessories such as a griddle insert, side burners, tool hooks, and warming racks extend functionality and may influence overall value.
Size, Footprint, and Installation
Measure your outdoor space to ensure the grill fits with adequate clearance for vents and doors. Consider whether the unit is designed for cart-style mobility or a stationary installation. A larger footprint often means more cooking surface but requires more deck space and storage.
Budget and Value
Dual-fuel grills range in price based on cooking area, features, and brand. Assess long-term value by weighing total cooking capacity, versatility, build quality, and included features such as griddles or extra burners against upfront cost. Durability and ease of maintenance can influence overall ownership costs over time.