You face a daily choice between the instant convenience of propane and the smoky soul of charcoal. A hybrid grill eliminates that trade-off, letting you sear steaks over gas for a Tuesday dinner and slow-smoke a brisket over lump charcoal for the weekend. The best gas and charcoal BBQ grill is not a compromise — it is a command center that adapts to your cooking mood, your schedule, and the crowd you are feeding.
I’m Rikta — the co-founder and writer behind FitlyFast. My approach to this category focuses on analyzing burner layouts, cooking area distribution, material thickness, and the real-world heat control each dual-fuel configuration delivers so you know exactly what you are buying before you assemble a single bolt.
This guide examines nine models built to handle both fuels, from compact patio units to outdoor-island-ready stations, so you can confidently select the best gas and charcoal bbq grill that matches the way you actually cook.
How To Choose The Best Gas And Charcoal BBQ Grill
The market offers everything from compact 2-burner combos to massive stations with offset smokers and griddles. Before you buy, lock in the answers to these four questions: how often you will use each fuel, how many mouths you feed, how much space you have, and whether you mind assembling a puzzle of stamped steel. The following criteria will help you sort through the options without getting distracted by flashy extras.
Cooking Area Allocation Per Fuel Type
The total square inches number printed on the box often counts warming racks and smoker boxes. What matters is the primary cooking space dedicated to gas versus charcoal. If you plan to use both fuels simultaneously — for example, searing burgers on gas while smoking ribs on charcoal — look for models that give you at least 300 square inches per side. Models with smaller charcoal chambers (around 3 pounds of fuel capacity) limit your ability to do long smokes without refueling.
Burner Configuration and Heat Control
Independent burner control on the gas side allows you to create temperature zones — high heat for searing on one end, lower heat for indirect cooking on the other. For charcoal, an adjustable charcoal tray (with at least three height levels) and both a top damper and side air vent give you real control over combustion rate. Without those, the charcoal side tends to run hot (400°F+) with little ability to bring it down without choking the fire entirely.
Build Materials and Assembly Reality
Powder-coated alloy steel is the standard at mid-range prices; heavy-gauge steel with a high-temp finish adds years of rust resistance. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat better and are easier to clean than bare cast iron or chrome-plated wire grates. Be realistic about assembly: these are large, heavy objects (70 to 90 pounds) with many small parts. Expect a 90-minute to 2-hour build, preferably with two people and a power drill for the bolts. Models with poor instruction booklets or unclear part labeling can turn that project into a frustration.
Extra Features That Actually Add Value
A side burner is useful for heating sides or sauces without leaving the grill, but it consumes floor real estate. An included griddle insert expands your breakfast and fajita options without a separate purchase. A slide-out grease tray and ash drawer simplify cleanup dramatically compared to models where you must dismantle parts to reach drippings. Prioritize the features you will use weekly — not the ones that sound impressive on the spec sheet but collect dust.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus | Premium Combo | Griddle cooks & family feasts | 1260 sq. in. total area | from $364.99Amazon |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo | Premium Smoke | Offset smoking & grilling | 1031 sq. in. total area | $529.98$649.99Amazon |
| MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 | Mid-Range | Even heat & easy cleanup | 690 sq. in. cooking area | $472.99$599.99Amazon |
| Grills House ZH3005Y-SC | Mid-Range | Smoker + gas combo value | 1020 sq. in. total area | $339.38Amazon |
| GRILL DEPOTS 41,500 BTU | Mid-Range | Dual-zone griddle cooking | 41,500 BTU total output | $359.99$419.99Amazon |
| Char-Griller E5030 | Mid-Range | Budget dual-fuel starter | 870 sq. in. total space | $364.99$399.99Amazon |
| Grills House ZH3005-SC | Mid-Range | Great starter gas & charcoal | 823 sq. in. cooking area | from $339.38Amazon |
| SKOK 3-in-1 | Budget Friendly | Tabletop versatility & value | 331 sq. in. cooking area | $279.99Amazon |
| Brand-Man 40-Inch | Premium Built-In | Outdoor kitchen island build | 60,000 BTUs, 6 burners | $1,169.00Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus 3-in-1
from $364.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThis unit earns the top spot by combining the largest total cooking area in the roundup (1,260 square inches) with a genuinely useful pre-seasoned flat-top griddle insert. You can use the gas side with three stainless steel burners for fast weeknight chops, fire up the charcoal chamber for weekend smoke, or swap the gas grates for the griddle and cook bacon, fajitas, and breakfast all on one surface. The adjustable charcoal tray and dual dampers give enough airflow control to keep a low-and-slow fire burning without constant fussing.
The 30,000 BTU output on the gas side is modest compared to some competitors, but the heat distribution across the porcelain-coated grates is even enough for consistent searing. Assembly is labor-intensive — expect over two hours with an impact driver — and the included griddle tray arrived rusted for some users, suggesting the finish may need immediate seasoning. The thin gauge steel on the side panels also raises questions about long-term corrosion resistance if the grill lives uncovered in wet climates.
For anyone who wants a single station that handles everything from a quick sear to a full barbecue spread including flat-top cooking, this Flex Fuel design delivers versatility that few other models match. Just budget for a high-quality cover and be prepared to put in some assembly time.
Why it’s great
- Largest cooking area in the roundup — enough for a full party spread
- Included flat-top griddle adds breakfast and fajita options
- Dual dampers and adjustable tray give real charcoal temperature control
Good to know
- Gas side output (30,000 BTU) is lower than other models of this size
- Some units arrived with rust on griddle tray requiring immediate seasoning
- Assembly time is long — plan for 2 hours with a helper
2. Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo
$529.98$649.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMOklahoma Joe’s brings its offset-smoker DNA into a dual-fuel format with a dedicated charcoal smoking chamber and a 3-burner propane side. The 750-square-inch primary cooking area is flanked by a 281-square-inch firebox grate, meaning you can smoke two pork shoulders on the main chamber while grilling wings directly over the coals. The adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers give pitmaster-level control over airflow, and the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates retain heat well for clean sear marks.
The gas side fires up with electronic ignition and reaches cooking temperature quickly, though the 36,000 BTU output (split across three burners) is average for this category. Some users noted that running both fuel sides simultaneously raises the gas-side ambient temperature beyond 300°F even with only one burner lit, so you may need to account for heat crossover when planning a combined cook. The heavy-gauge steel body and high-temp paint finish resist rust better than thinner competitors, but the cart only includes two locking casters — a four-caster setup would improve stability on uneven patios.
If authentic offset smoking is your priority and you want gas convenience for midweek meals, this combo delivers the most traditional smoke experience in the group. The firebox requires tending every 25-30 minutes for temperature stability, so it rewards active engagement rather than set-and-forget operation.
Why it’s great
- True offset smoker design with adjustable dampers for authentic smoke flavor
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates resist rust and hold heat evenly
- Heavy-gauge steel body with high-temp finish for extended durability
Good to know
- Firebox requires frequent tending (roughly every 25 minutes) for steady temps
- Heat crossover from charcoal side can raise gas-side temp above 300°F
- Cart has only two locking casters — four would improve stability
3. MFSTUDIO 3-in-1 Gas and Charcoal Grill
$472.99$599.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThe MFSTUDIO strikes a strong balance between mid-range pricing and premium-grade materials. It uses porcelain-enameled cast iron for the primary cooking grates — a noticeable upgrade over painted steel — plus an adjustable enameled charcoal tray and stainless steel flame tamers on the gas side to prevent hot spots. The dual-layered hoods include built-in thermometers on both the gas and charcoal chambers, so you can monitor temperatures without lifting the lid and losing heat.
The 37,000 BTU output across three burners is slightly higher than the Char-Griller Flex Fuel, and users report even heat distribution with no cold spots once the grill stabilizes. The slide-out grease tray on the gas side and the ash drawer on the charcoal side make post-cook cleanup straightforward — no scraping or disassembly required. A few users noted minor unevenness in burner flame distribution, which may require minor tuning of the air shutters, and the side burner is useful but adds to the overall width of the unit.
For someone who wants a durable, easy-to-clean dual-fuel grill that performs well without breaking into premium price territory, this MFSTUDIO model offers the best build-quality-per-dollar ratio in the mid-range tier.
Why it’s great
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates provide excellent heat retention with non-stick surface
- Dual-layer hoods with built-in thermometers on both sides for accurate temp monitoring
- Slide-out grease tray and ash drawer simplify cleanup after every cook
Good to know
- Some units experienced uneven burner flame requiring minor air shutter adjustment
- Assembly is manageable but takes two people roughly 90 minutes
- Side burner adds useful flexibility but increases overall width
4. Grills House ZH3005Y-SC with Offset Smoker
$339.38as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThis Grills House model packs three cooking zones into a single footprint: a 333-square-inch gas side, a 333-square-inch charcoal side, and a 197-square-inch offset smoker box. That configuration allows you to sear steaks on gas, slow-smoke ribs on charcoal, and use the offset box as either a smoker or an extra charcoal grill — all at the same time. The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan gives you low, medium, and high heat zones, and the Piezo ignition lights the gas burners without batteries.
With 34,000 BTU total output (two 12,000 BTU main burners and a 10,000 BTU side burner), the gas side heats adequately but does not produce the intense searing power of higher-BTU competitors. Assembly is the biggest hurdle here: multiple users described the instructions as vague and the part labeling as poor, with some resorting to video guides to finish the build. The charcoal and smoker fuel capacity is limited (3.3 lbs. for the main charcoal side, 1.5 lbs. for the smoker), so long smoking sessions will require fuel reloads.
If your hosting style demands maximum cooking zone variety — gas for speed, charcoal for flavor, and a separate smoker for low-and-slow — and you are willing to spend extra time on assembly, this unit offers a unique three-in-one layout at a reasonable price.
Why it’s great
- Three distinct cooking zones — gas, charcoal, and offset smoker — for maximum versatility
- 3-level adjustable charcoal pan gives real heat control across cooking styles
- Piezo ignition lights gas burners without needing batteries
Good to know
- Assembly instructions are poorly illustrated — expect a 2-hour build with video help
- Charcoal and smoker fuel capacity is limited, requiring refueling for long smokes
- 34,000 BTU total output is moderate — searing power is not the focus here
5. GRILL DEPOTS 41,500 BTU Combo Grill
$359.99$419.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThis unit differentiates itself with a dual-zone setup that pairs a 4-burner gas section with a separate charcoal section and includes both cast iron grill grates and a perforated griddle pan. The perforated griddle allows heat and smoke to pass through the food directly, which works well for fish, vegetables, and thin cuts of meat that benefit from fast, even heat. The 41,500 BTU total output (three 10,000 BTU burners plus a 9,000 BTU side burner) is the highest in the roundup, delivering strong searing capability on the gas side.
The double-layer stainless steel lid is a meaningful upgrade over single-layer black painted lids — it holds heat better and resists warping after extended use. The side table offers solid prep space, and the four wheels (two fixed, two swivel) make moving the grill around a patio easy. However, the total cooking area of 673 square inches is smaller than many competitors, and if you want to use both gas and charcoal simultaneously, each side gives you roughly 250 square inches of primary space — enough for a couple of burgers but tight for a crowd.
For the griller who values high BTU output and the flexibility of a griddle insert over sheer cooking area, this model delivers quick heat and solid construction at a mid-range price point. It is best suited for smaller gatherings or for households that cook for 2-4 people most of the time.
Why it’s great
- Highest BTU output (41,500) in the roundup for strong gas searing power
- Double-layer stainless steel lid resists warping and retains heat better than single-layer lids
- Perforated griddle pan allows heat and smoke to reach food directly for even cooking
Good to know
- 673 sq. in. total area is on the smaller side — tight for large dual-fuel cooks
- Primary cooking area per fuel type is roughly 250 sq. in. when using both sides
- Some units arrived with shipping damage, though customer service resolved issues quickly
6. Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function Grill
$364.99$399.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThe Char-Griller E5030 is a solid entry-level dual-fuel grill that offers 870 square inches of total cooking space and a side burner. The two stainless steel main burners produce 24,000 BTU total, which is the lowest gas output in this lineup — adequate for burgers and chicken but not for aggressive steak searing. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates hold heat well and are easier to clean than bare metal, and the EasyDump ash pan on the charcoal side makes mid-cook cleanup simple.
Users consistently praise the heavy-gauge sheet metal and durable powder-coated finish, which outperforms cheaper thin-steel grills in terms of heat retention and felt durability. The charcoal side tends to run hot (often exceeding 400°F) because the adjustable air vent can choke the fire if closed too much or leave it burning aggressively if fully open. Finding the sweet spot takes a few cooks. The side burner is a nice bonus, but it adds to the footprint without increasing primary cooking capacity.
If you are new to dual-fuel grilling and want to experiment with both charcoal and gas without a large investment, this Char-Griller is a proven, well-reviewed starting point. Just know the gas side is not built for high-heat output, so prioritize temperature management over raw power.
Why it’s great
- Heavy-gauge sheet metal and durable powder-coated finish for long-term durability
- Porcelain-coated cast iron grates resist rust and hold heat well
- EasyDump ash pan simplifies charcoal-side cleanup during long cooks
Good to know
- Gas output (24,000 BTU) is the lowest in the roundup — not ideal for searing
- Charcoal side runs hot and can be difficult to keep below 400°F consistently
- Side burner adds footprint without increasing primary cooking area
7. Grills House ZH3005-SC 2-Burner
from $339.38as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThis Grills House model configures the dual-fuel layout with a 333-square-inch gas chamber and a 333-square-inch charcoal chamber side by side, plus a 157-square-inch warming rack. The 2-burner gas side delivers 24,000 BTU (12,000 BTU per burner), and the separate side burner adds another 10,000 BTU for sauces or sides. The charcoal side includes a height-adjustable charcoal pan, a smoke stack, and a side air vent — giving you three independent tools for temperature management rather than just a single damper.
Assembly is a recurring theme across user reviews: some found it straightforward, others described the instructions as frustratingly vague and the part illustrations as too small to identify. The Piezo ignition works reliably without batteries, and the dual lid-mounted thermometers provide real-time temperature monitoring for both chambers. The overall footprint is manageable for a medium-sized patio, though the 78-pound weight means you will want a helper when moving the assembled grill.
For someone who wants a balanced dual-fuel experience with true charcoal-side temperature controls and a side burner, this model offers strong value at a mid-range price. Just be mentally prepared for the assembly process, and consider having a video guide ready on your phone.
Why it’s great
- Charcoal side features adjustable pan, smoke stack, and side air vent for three-way temperature control
- Dual lid-mounted thermometers let you monitor both chambers without lifting the lid
- Side burner adds an extra 10,000 BTU for sides, sauces, or searing a single pan
Good to know
- Assembly instructions are poorly illustrated — expect frustration during setup
- 78-pound weight makes moving the assembled grill a two-person job
- Some units arrived with cosmetic shipping damage (dents, scratches) from carrier handling
8. SKOK 3-in-1 Combo Grill
$279.99as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMDon’t let the compact dimensions (32.7 x 18.9 x 17.5 inches) fool you. The SKOK packs a 4-burner gas section (45,000 BTU total), a charcoal box, and a cast iron griddle surface into a tabletop-friendly package that works for small patios, camping trips, or RV setups. The 331-square-inch total cooking area is split between a 146-square-inch grilling area and a 185-square-inch griddle, making it ideal for cooking breakfast and lunch for 2-4 people without heating up a full-size grill.
The cast iron grates and griddle pan provide excellent heat retention for their size, and the 4 independently controlled burners allow zone cooking despite the small footprint. The dual-lid design (one for gas, one for charcoal) helps retain heat on each side separately. The included paper towel holder, bottle opener, and thermometer are thoughtful touches for a unit this compact. However, the small charcoal chamber limits you to short cooks — expect to reload charcoal for anything longer than a single batch of burgers or wings.
If your primary need is a highly portable, versatile grill that can do gas, charcoal, and griddle cooking without taking over your patio, this SKOK is the most space-efficient option available. It is not designed for feeding a crowd, but for compact living or tailgating, it punches well above its size class.
Why it’s great
- Extremely compact and portable — ideal for small patios, camping, or RV use
- Cast iron grates and griddle provide excellent heat retention for the size
- 45,000 BTU from 4 burners delivers strong heat output in a tiny footprint
Good to know
- Small charcoal chamber requires frequent refueling for anything beyond short cooks
- 331 sq. in. total area is tight for more than 2-4 people
- Tabletop design means you need a stable surface to place it on
9. Brand-Man 40-Inch 6-Burner Built-In Grill
$1,169.00as of Jul 4, 4:17 AMThis unit is the outlier in the roundup — it is a built-in gas island grill, not a portable dual-fuel cart. It offers 60,000 BTU across 6 burners and 860 square inches of cooking space (620 primary, 240 warming rack), plus a removable cast iron griddle plate. The 304 stainless steel construction is heavy-gauge and corrosion-resistant, and the built-in design makes it a permanent centerpiece for an outdoor kitchen. Natural gas conversion is supported with a kit (sold separately).
Performance is exceptional for gas grilling: even heat distribution across the rust-resistant matte cast iron grates, strong searing capability, and easy cleanup via removable front grease trays. However, this model has no charcoal cooking capability at all — it is a pure gas grill. It is included here because some buyers searching for a Gas And Charcoal BBQ Grill might consider a premium gas-only built-in as an alternative if they decide charcoal usage will be rare. If charcoal cooking is a must, this is not the right choice.
For anyone building a permanent outdoor kitchen who wants a heavy-duty gas grill that performs consistently for large gatherings, this Brand-Man model delivers excellent build quality and powerful output. Just go into it knowing that charcoal flavor will need to come from a separate smoker or small charcoal kettle placed elsewhere.
Why it’s great
- Heavy-duty 304 stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion in outdoor kitchens
- 60,000 BTU across 6 burners delivers powerful, even searing heat
- Removable front grease trays make cleanup simple and tool-free
Good to know
- This is a gas-only grill — no charcoal cooking option available
- Built-in design requires a permanent cutout installation, not a freestanding cart
- Natural gas conversion kit is sold separately — factor that into your budget
FAQ
Can I use both gas and charcoal at the same time on these grills?
How long does it take to assemble a typical gas and charcoal combo grill?
What gauge of steel should I look for in a durable charcoal/gas grill?
Is it worth getting a grill with a side burner for a gas and charcoal combo?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the best gas and charcoal bbq grill winner is the Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus because it combines the largest cooking area with a true flat-top griddle and solid dual-fuel performance. If you want authentic offset smoking capability and do not mind tending the firebox, grab the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo. And for compact spaces or portable use where gas, charcoal, and griddle cooking all matter, nothing beats the SKOK 3-in-1.
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