5 Best Outdoor Grill Gas Charcoal Combo Picks for Backyard Cooks (2026)

By Miles Sinclair

Updated November 2026

An outdoor grill gas charcoal combo lets you switch between gas convenience for weeknight dinners and charcoal flavor for slow weekend cooks, all in one cabinet footprint. If you are weighing a dual fuel unit, the questions that matter most are burner count and total BTU output, usable cooking area, whether the charcoal side is firebox-style or a removable pan, how solid the lid and grates feel, and whether there is a side burner or offset smoker for extra cooking space. The five models below were selected by checking manufacturer specifications, brand reputation and the patterns owners commonly report about heat consistency, assembly and durability. None of them were tested by us.

Our Top Picks

Dual Fuel & Side Burner ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill

Dual Fuel & Side Burner, 34,000 BTU, 1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area, Porcelain-Enameled Finish, Backyard BBQ & Camping, Black ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo Grill

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Best for: Overall dual fuel cooking with a generous cooking surface

This model suits cooks who want a large grilling area, a side burner for sauces or sides, and the option to run either propane or charcoal on the same frame. Its 34,000 BTU rating and roughly 1020 square inches of cooking space give room for a full rack of ribs or a crowd of burgers.

Key specs:

• Fuel: dual fuel (propane gas and charcoal)
• Burners: 2 main gas burners plus side burner
• Total output: 34,000 BTU
• Cooking area: 1020 sq. in.
• Finish: porcelain-enameled

Pros:

• Large cooking area for batch cooking
• Side burner adds a second cooking zone
• Porcelain-enameled finish is easier to wipe down than bare steel

Cons:

• Large footprint needs a dedicated patio or deck
• Charcoal side requires more hands-on attention than gas

Bottom line: A strong choice for families and hosts who want the most cooking surface and a side burner in one unit.

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PARGRILL Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner

PARGRILL Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker & Side Burner, 30,000 BTU Dual Fuel BBQ Grill with 2-Level Adjustable Charcoal Pan, Dual Thermometers, 6" Wheels, Outdoor Patio Backyard Grilling

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Best for: Smoking and indirect cooking on a combo grill

This combo is aimed at cooks who want low-and-slow smoking capability without buying a separate smoker. The offset smoker box and adjustable charcoal pan make it a practical option for brisket, pork shoulder and ribs alongside everyday gas grilling.

Key specs:

• Fuel: dual fuel (gas and charcoal)
• Output: 30,000 BTU
• Charcoal pan: 2-level adjustable
• Features: offset smoker, side burner, dual thermometers, 6-inch wheels

Pros:

• Offset smoker adds real smoking capability
• Two-level charcoal pan gives control over heat zones
• Dual thermometers help monitor both chambers

Cons:

• Smoker box takes up floor space and needs regular cleaning
• Owners often recommend adding a separate thermometer for accurate grate readings

Bottom line: The best fit for backyard cooks who want to smoke meats regularly and grill the rest of the week.

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Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

Dual Fuel BBQ Grill with Two Side Shelves, Stainless Steel Lid, for Outdoor Patio Backyard Barbecue, 20,000 BTUs, 759 sq. in. Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

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Best for: Small patios and tight spaces

This is a more compact dual fuel unit with a 759 square inch cooking area and a 20,000 BTU rating. It suits couples, small households or anyone with limited patio space who still wants both gas and charcoal options.

Key specs:

• Fuel: propane gas and charcoal
• Burners: 2
• Output: 20,000 BTU
• Cooking area: 759 sq. in.
• Features: two side shelves, stainless steel lid

Pros:

• Compact footprint for smaller spaces
• Side shelves provide prep and resting room
• Stainless steel lid is a durable feature

Cons:

• Lower BTU output means longer preheat times for big cooks
• Limited cooking area for large groups

Bottom line: A sensible pick for small households and apartment-sized patios that still want a real charcoal option.

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3-IN-1 BBQ Grill W/ Griddle & Charcoal Pans Thermo 4+1 Burner Propane Gas Grill Combo

3-IN-1 BBQ Grill W/ Griddle & Charcoal Pans, Cast-iron Grates, 49K BTU, 448 sq in. Double-wall Lid, Grease Tray, Thermo 4+1 Burner Propane Gas Grill Combo with Griddle & Charcoal

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Best for: Griddle cooking alongside grilling

This model is built for cooks who want a flat-top griddle for pancakes, fajitas and smash burgers in addition to standard grilling and charcoal use. It offers a high 49,000 BTU rating across five burners, with cast iron grates for heat retention.

Key specs:

• Fuel: propane gas with charcoal pans
• Burners: 4 main plus 1 side burner
• Output: 49,000 BTU
• Cooking area: 448 sq. in. grilling surface
• Features: cast iron grates, double-wall lid, grease tray

Pros:

• Griddle option expands the menu beyond grilling
• High BTU output for fast preheating
• Cast iron grates hold heat well for searing

Cons:

• Smaller grilling area relative to the number of burners
• Griddle and charcoal functions both add cleaning steps

Bottom line: Best for cooks who want a griddle and grill in one unit and cook a wide range of breakfasts and fajitas.

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Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo, 690 SQIN Dual Fuel Propane BBQ

Porcelain-Enameled Cast Iron Grates, Side Burner, Easy-Clean Pull-Out Trays. Perfect for Outdoor Events & Backyard Barbecue Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo,690 SQIN Dual Fuel Propane BBQ

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Best for: Backyard gatherings and easy cleanup

This combo focuses on entertaining, with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, a side burner and pull-out grease trays designed to simplify cleanup after a party. Its 690 square inch cooking area sits between the compact and full-size options.

Key specs:

• Fuel: dual fuel (propane and charcoal)
• Cooking area: 690 sq. in.
• Grates: porcelain-enameled cast iron
• Features: side burner, pull-out grease trays

Pros:

• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist sticking
• Pull-out trays make grease cleanup faster
• Side burner suits sauces and sides during events

Cons:

• Cast iron grates are heavy and can be slow to heat
• Specific BTU output should be confirmed on the product page before purchase

Bottom line: A good choice for hosts who grill for guests regularly and want straightforward cleanup.

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Buying Guide

Burner Count and BTU Output

BTU ratings show maximum heat output, and more burners usually mean more control over zones. Look for at least two main burners so you can run direct and indirect heat at once. Manufacturers specify BTU totals for the full unit, so compare them alongside cooking area rather than relying on the number alone.

Good picks for this: Dual Fuel & Side Burner ZH3005Y, 3-IN-1 BBQ Grill W/ Griddle & Charcoal Pans

Charcoal Setup and Adjustability

Some combos use a removable charcoal pan, others a firebox with adjustable grates. Adjustable charcoal height gives you more control over searing and smoking temperatures. Check whether the charcoal section is fixed or removable, and how easy it is to add fuel mid-cook.

Good picks for this: PARGRILL Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo, Royal Gourmet ZH3002N

Cooking Area and Footprint

Measure your patio or deck before buying. Cooking area in square inches gives a useful comparison, but overall footprint matters just as much for clearance and airflow. A unit around 700 to 1000 square inches suits most families, while smaller units fit tight spaces better.

Good picks for this: Royal Gourmet ZH3002N, Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo

Smoking Capability

If you plan to smoke, look for an offset smoker box or a way to add indirect heat and wood chips. Smoke chamber volume and the ability to hold steady low temperatures are the key points. Owners often report that smoking performance depends heavily on lid seal and vent control.

Good picks for this: PARGRILL Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker, Dual Fuel & Side Burner ZH3005Y

Griddle and Accessory Options

A griddle plate expands what you can cook, from breakfast to smashed burgers. Check whether the griddle is included or sold separately, and whether it replaces a burner or sits alongside one. Side burners add useful space for sauces, sides and wok-style cooking.

Good picks for this: 3-IN-1 BBQ Grill W/ Griddle & Charcoal Pans, Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo

Materials and Durability

Cast iron grates hold heat well but are heavy and need seasoning. Porcelain-enameled surfaces resist rust and clean easily. Stainless steel lids and double-wall construction help with heat retention. Owners commonly note that lid thickness and hinge quality affect how the grill ages over several seasons.

Good picks for this: Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo, Royal Gourmet ZH3002N

Cleaning and Maintenance

Pull-out grease trays, removable charcoal pans and porcelain surfaces all reduce cleanup time. Plan to empty ash after every charcoal session and clean grates after gas cooks. Covering the grill between uses protects against weather damage, and a fitted cover designed for your model helps the most.

Good picks for this: Captiva Designs Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo, Dual Fuel & Side Burner ZH3005Y

FAQ

What is an outdoor grill gas charcoal combo?

It is a single grill that includes both a gas burner system and a charcoal section, so you can cook with propane or briquettes depending on the meal. Many people call these dual fuel grills.

Is a combo grill worth it compared with a single-fuel grill?

It depends on how you cook. If you want fast weeknight meals and smoky weekend cooks, a combo covers both. If you only ever use one method, a single-fuel unit may be simpler to maintain.

Can I smoke meat on a gas charcoal combo?

Yes, especially models with an offset smoker or indirect charcoal setup. Keep temperatures low, use wood chunks for smoke flavor, and monitor with a reliable thermometer.

How often should I clean a combo grill?

Empty charcoal ash after every session, scrape grates after each use, and do a deeper clean of grease trays and burners several times a season. Check the manufacturer manual for model-specific guidance.

Do I need a cover for my outdoor combo grill?

A weather-resistant cover helps protect burners, lids and enamel from rain, sun and debris. Choose one sized for your specific model.

Are propane and charcoal safe to use on the same unit?

Dual fuel grills are designed for both, but you should never use charcoal or gas in an enclosed space, and you should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each fuel. If you have questions about gas line or propane safety, consult a qualified professional.

Conclusion

For the most cooking space and a side burner, the Dual Fuel & Side Burner ZH3005Y suits hosts best. Smokers should look at the PARGRILL model with its offset smoker. Small patios point toward the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N, while griddle lovers will prefer the 3-IN-1 unit. The Captiva Designs model is a practical choice for easy cleanup at gatherings. Match the grill to your space, your menu and how often you cook.

Sources

• Guidance on safe outdoor grilling and propane use (energy.gov)
• Consumer safety recalls and grill safety tips (cpsc.gov)
• Fire safety standards and guidance for outdoor cooking equipment (nfpa.org)

Related reading

• 6 Best Charcoal Gas Grill Combos Compared: Top Picks (2026)
• Types of BBQ Grills: Charcoal, Gas, Pellet and Electric Explained
• How to Clean a Grill: Gas, Charcoal and Pellet Step by Step

About Miles Sinclair

Miles Sinclair is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our BBQ & grilling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.