Be Your Neighborhood’s Best Outdoor Chef With A Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
A gas and charcoal grill combo is a device or appliance that is essentially used to prepare food and meals while in an outdoor environment. These outdoor grills use a type of fuel to provide the cooking temperatures needed for meats such as chicken, pork, and beef; along with fish, vegetables, and other side dishes. Common fuel used in grills include charcoal, wood, pellets, natural gas, or propane.
A gas and charcoal grill combo use both natural gas and charcoal to create higher temperatures used for cooking. Some models only allow you to use either the charcoal or the gas while grilling but most modern grills allow you to use one type of fuel on one side while using the opposite type of fuel on the other.
Benefits of a Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
As with any appliance or cooking apparatus, there are numerous advantages and benefits when it comes to grilling with a gas and charcoal grill combo. One is the additional flavors that can be added to the food via the use of the charcoal grill.
These combo grills are also beneficial to the chef in your life (or yourself) because of the larger cooking space, the options presented with a combo grill, and the opportunity for more control over the level of heat used to prepare your meals.
Charcoal grills can take a while to heat up to the correct level for grilling, but the gas grill side of the burner will heat instantly, making them convenient for whatever type of grilling experience you desire.
How to Choose
The first thing to look at when choosing a gas and charcoal grill combo is how much food do you plan on preparing. Are you going to be preparing big meals for numerous people? Are you generally the entertainer of your social circle? Some grills have a higher cooking power within their burners while others come with special features to make cooking a breeze.
What type of features would you be interested in when it comes to your gas and charcoal grill combo? One-button ignition? Warming racks? Storage space? Adjustable charcoal trays for a higher level of temperature control? Rotisserie racks? Adjustable vents for smoke control? These are all things to consider, along with a budget, before starting to shop for gas and charcoal grill combo.
Coyote Centaur 50-Inch Built-In Natural Gas
The Coyote Centaur 50-Inch Built-In Natural Gas Grill is a massive beast when it comes to grilling, smoking, and preparing meat. With two high performance Coyote iBurners that offer 40,000 BTUs of cooking power – you are able to prepare beef, pork, fish, and poultry with ease. Able to be used as both a gas grill or charcoal grill; it is up to the chef whether it will be used for preparing meat quickly or used with the charcoal for a natural smoky flavor. Interior lights make this grill easy to use at night and the removable warming rack keeps the finished meat at the perfect temperature (without risking it cooking even more). Adjustable dampers mean you are able to control the internal temperature by increasing or reducing air flow while the integrated wind guard prevents flare-ups that can burn and ruin the meat.
American Muscle Grill 36-Inch 5-Burner Built-In Dual Fuel Wood
This innovative fuel system allows you to grill with wood, pellets, charcoal, or gas and the best part? You can use both, all, or a couple at one time! Allowing you to control the fuel used means that you are able to grill, smoke, and preserve meat in one grilling session.
With a design that is modeled after the 1969 Shelby GT 350 Mustang, this grill is not only great to look at but the 14 gauge stainless steel burners provide lots of firepower for whatever type of meat you are throwing on the rill. It features a convex side for beef, pork, poultry, and wild game while the concave side is ideal for fish products. The key is to use the removable multi-fuel tray and fill it with the source you are craving then igniting it with the gas (with the help of the ignition system).
Air vents are found throughout the panels and the cover, keeping the external components cool to the touch while controlling the internal temperature as well. The only thing that could be an issue with this grill is that you have to be able to place it somewhere as it doesn’t feature legs.
Charcoal VS Natural Gas Grill
The age-old question amongst both experienced and amateur grillers would have to be which one is better – the charcoal grill or the natural gas grill. The answer varies, depending on who you ask and when. When it comes to smoking wild game? The answer is typically the charcoal grill for that smoky flavour that penetrates the meat. When it comes to grilling a feast for the family? The natural gas grill tends to win due to its faster cooking time. So what are the differences between the two? Let’s take a look!
- When it comes to heating time – the natural gas grill wins over the charcoal grill because of the fuel type. Charcoal can take a while to heat up to a consistent temperature for grilling or smoking meat. Natural gas grills need only a push-button ignition system whereas charcoal has to be lit.
- When it comes to flavour – the charcoal grill wins over the natural gas because the smokiness of the charcoal will penetrate the meat, leaving it infused with a smoky flavour. Natural gas grills has a cleaner cooking style so you will have to season or spice the meat up with your own concoctions.
- When it comes to price – the charcoal grills tend to come in cheaper than a natural gas grill and this due to the components that are required to make the natural gas grill work. However, over time they can be more expensive as you typically will get around three grilling sessions for a single bag of charcoal. Natural gas (propane) can give you approximately 25 grilling sessions with a 20-pound cylinder.
- When it comes to cleanup – the charcoal grill is messier and harder to clean than the natural grill due to the type of fuel used.
- When it comes to the environment – the natural gas grill wins hands down due to its cleaner cooking style and the less carcinogens that are produced when compared to the charcoal grill.
8 Best Gas and Charcoal Grills
Coyote Centaur 50-Inch Built-In Natural Gas/Charcoal Dual Fuel Grill
Perfect for those who tend to do a lot of entertaining and need to feed a larger crowd thanks to its combination burners that offer 1200 square inches of grilling space. This Coyote dual grill is ideal for outdoor cookouts with family and friends during those balmy summer nights, this dual fuel grill has all the conveniences of a gas grill but the flavors of a charcoal grill. It even has two interior grill lights so you are able to easily see what you are cooking, no matter the time of day or night!
It has two high-performance Coyote burners that offer lots of cooking power and strength (each one is 40,000 BTUs) for whatever you choose to throw on the grill, whether it be meat, fish, pork, vegetables, and more. the chef can choose between using the gas grill for fast meals done right or using the charcoal side of the grill for that additional smoky flavor everyone enjoys when it comes to a barbeque. Looking to utilize the charcoal size of the grill? You’ll be pleased to know that you are able to adjust the height of the tray to control the heat which prevents over- searing and overheating of the meat dishes you are preparing.
Pros:
- Removable warming racks
- Integrated thermometer
- Stainless steel design with hand-welded grill boxes
- Ignition button
Cons:
- Large storage space needed
- Does not come with an insulated jack liner as it is a combustible combination.
American Muscle Grill 36-Inch 5-Burner Built-In Dual Fuel Wood / Charcoal / Natural Gas Grill
Not sure what you are in the mood to cook with tonight when it comes to grilling? Feeling some wood smoked meat dishes with grilled vegetables but debating the charcoal flavor you know is always a big hit? How about grilling on a machine that is designed to resemble a 1969 Shelby GT 350 Mustang? Then check out this entry on the list. It allows you to grill with five different fuels – wood, coal, charcoal, pellets, or natural gas. Another bonus point – you can use all five at once if that is your preference.
With stainless steel cooking grates, you can grill food in comfort without worrying about it searing on or sticking to the grates. It has 14-gauge 304 stainless steel burners which means you also aren’t worrying about the cooking power, which is a godsend when it comes to cooking those larger meals. The design does feature both a convex side (ideal for meat – chicken, pork, beef) and a concave side (ideal for fish, vegetables, bread) to prevent having to cook parts of your meal in a different location (for example, bringing it into the house and using the kitchen facilities) to get the taste you desired.
Pros:
- Multiple options for cooking
- Adjustable vents
- Drip tray
Cons:
- Is not recommended for a novice griller
- No cover
Fire Magic Aurora A830S 46-Inch Propane Gas & Charcoal Combo Grill
The grill needed to wow those in your social circle – this Fire Magic Aurora grill has not only propane gas and charcoal but also the option to go rotisserie on your meats and vegetables. This grill from the BBQ Guys has a rear rotisserie burner and comes complete with the rotisserie kit that can be used while the grill itself is in use.
With 828 square inches of cooking space, you are not looking for a place to put down the next piece of steak or chicken. Stainless steel construction helps maintain the quality for your grilling and has two separate double-walled hoods with vents that allow for control over the level of smoking within the grill itself.
Still not fully convinced? How about the fact that there is an adjustable warming rack above the cooking surface on either side of the burners, which means you can place the prepared food overhead to stay at the correct temperature without needed utensils or dishes.
Pros:
- LED backlighting
- Analog thermometers located within the hood
- Warming racks are adjustable
Cons:
- A power source is required for ignition of at least 120V.
Royal Gourmet ZH3003S 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill
Porcelain and cast-iron grates start off the meal preparation of this grill while the 3 burners located within the confines help maintain the perfect grilling temperatures – whether you are using the charcoal or gas side. Not sure if you are grilling at the correct temperature with all that cooking power? Check out the integrated temperature gauges built into the hood to eliminate guesswork!
the charcoal firebox has two air vents to adjust the level of smoke coming from the grill itself and there is also a spring handle on the front of the grill to adjust heat levels with ease. An automatic ignition system eliminates potential injury while lighting the burners while the two individual oil management systems not only helps you prepare food in a healthier way; it helps cleanup go a lot faster.
Pros:
- Storage room located at the bottom of the grill
- Prep surfaces on either side
- Comes on a cart with four caster wheels
Cons:
- Issues with packaging and damage upon arrival.
- Assembly can be difficult for a single person
Char-Griller Dual 2 Burner Charcoal and Gas Grill
Want a combination grill that will last throughout multiple years of use? How about a grill that will easily put dishes on the table for family and friends? Then check out this Char-Griller Dual Grill that features two burners and the options for both charcoal and gas grilling. You can use both the charcoal and gas options at the same time, allowing for vegetables and sizes to be prepared on the gas burners while adding mouthwatering flavor to your meats with the charcoal.
Cast iron grates cover the cooking surface which prevents sticking and tearing of the food while the cleaning is a breeze with large, open spaces. This grill is on the smaller side as well when compared to other models, allowing for it to be placed in more than one area to suit your needs.
Assembly is required but all instructions, hardware, and materials are enclosed.
Pros:
- Long lasting
- Cover available
- Affordability vs quality
Cons:
- Smaller cooking space.
- Cannot adjust the cooking temperature and heat of the burners for the propane side
BLOSSOMZ Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
The BLOSSOMZ Duel Fuel Grill features three stainless steel burners to suit all your grilling needs and each one is easily lit with the help of the integrated ignition. Moving this one from location to location is super easy thanks to the two wheels that can be locked in place once in position. Not sure what to do with the food once it’s cooked but you are not ready to eat? Then simply place it on the warming rack!
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction for longevity.
- 188 total square feet of cooking space.
- Wire storage rack.
Cons:
- Does not come with propane tank.
- Heavy at 103 pounds.
- Assembly is required.
Royal Gourmet ZH3002-S 3-Burner Gas Charcoal Grill Combo
Looking for a grill that features enough cooking space for a major function, storage pockets for all your BBQ utensils, and side shelves to lay down your platters? Then you’ve found it! The Royal Gourmet ZH3002-S Gas Charcoal Combo Grill has all of these features and more.
With three stainless steel burners, you are guaranteed to have a consistent and even cooking temperature through the entire process. The built-in thermometer allows you to control and monitor the temperature of the grill while air vents help with this task.
Cleanup is a breeze, even when using the charcoal feature, as the slide-out ash pan offers quick cleanup without a major mess.
Pros:
- Two side shelves for additional working space.
- Four wheels with locking systems.
- Duel doors cover the tank and storage area.
Cons:
- Color changes after use due to the heat.
- Must be assembled.
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal-LP Gas-Smoker Combo
if you are the type of chef that enjoys combining both smoking your meat and grilling it – then you want a device that can easily do both and at the same time. Introducing the Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo. This grill has 1060 square inches of cooking space, with 750 inches in the primary cooking space and 310 square inches in the smoker chamber. There is even a side burner for additional use, making it easy to sauté vegetables, boil pasta, and more at the same time.
A wire storage rack holds BBQ utensils down underneath the cooking area for ease and convenience while the firebox door with an air damper makes for an easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Temperature gauge for accurate monitoring in both cooking chambers.
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates.
- Two wheels for easy movement from location to location.
Cons:
- Assembly required.
- Doesn’t come with propane cylinder tank.
What to look for when buying a gas-charcoal hybrid?
Quality
When searching for the best combination grill; you definitely don’t want to jump at the first one you find in your price range. These grills have a lot of internal and external parts so you want to ensure that your pick comes from a reputable brand with an excellent customer service rating. Look for construction that features long-lasting materials such as cast iron, porcelain, and stainless steel.
Warranty
Combo grills are not cheap purchases, and they aren’t something you would want to replace in a year or two. That is why it is important to look at the warranty and return policies on the grills you are looking at. Will you be able to avail of the warranty in five years? Ten years? Will they replace the defective grill or just repair it? These are important factors to consider when making your final decision.
Extras
Extras are the little perks you would like on your combo grill, and while they can increase the overall cost, they are sometimes worth it. Look for extras such as storage space, additional side shelving, side burners, safety features such as automatic shutoff values and temperature controls (thermometers, air vents, etc.), and features such as warming racks and ignition systems.
FAQ
Can You Use a Gas and Charcoal Grill at the Same Time?
Depending on the model of gas and charcoal grill you purchase, you could absolutely use them both at the same time! Most newer models allow you to use one side of the grill as a gas-powered burner and the other side is powered by charcoal. It is entirely up to you what type of fuel you want to prepare your food with, and some models even allow the grill to become 100% charcoal or 100% gas (remember though – these models are a bit pricy).
Is a Gas or Charcoal Grill Better for Your Health?
Typically, it is healthier to grill using natural gas or propane as charcoal grilled meats have shown to contain more carcinogens due to the smoke that is created once the fat drips hit the flames of the burner.
Propane or natural gas can still produce these carcinogens, but charcoal tends to have a more intense smoke production; which can also irritate the throat and eyes of the chef. The taste of the meat, however, is without a doubt more flavorful using a charcoal grill.
It is important to treat your meats before grilling, regardless of the fuel you plan to use, by:
- trimming fat,
- reducing toxins by soaking the meat in vinegar or lemon juice,
- and flipping the meat frequently.
Are Combo Grills Good?
Combo grills are good to some people and to others, a waste of money. It completely depends on what you plan to use your grill for, how many people you will be grilling for, and if you are looking for a grill that features more options than others.
Another thing to consider is what time of you do plan to grill? Only in the warmer months or year-round? A gas and charcoal combo grill also produce a larger amount of heat, making it comfortable to be grilling in colder temperatures.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looing for a gas and charcoal grill combo then one of these options are sure to fit for your specific needs. Did you find one you liked? Remember, when shopping for a new grill don’t just but what’s popular or what’s on sale. Assess your needs and choose accordingly.