Nothing beats the pleasures of outdoor grilling food over an open fire especially when it is done on the backyard. This is evident from the plethora of smokers and grills that are available on the market today. In fact, this is the perfect time to purchase a grill. So, how do you go about choosing a good grill?
I understand that choosing a grill can be a daunting task especially for newbies. Most of them are always in a dilemma on whether to choose a charcoal grill or a gas grill. Fortunately, today there is an option of purchasing a hybrid grill.
What Is a Hybrid grill?
Before we even proceed to the best gas and charcoal combo grill combo, it is only fair that you know a few things about it. Just like the name suggests, it is a grill that has two fuel options. You can choose to use charcoal / wood or propane gas to cook your food. This modification provides convenience and at the same time you get to enjoy rich food flavors.
|
# |
Product |
Name |
Surface (in2) |
Dimensions (in) |
Main burner BTU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
  |
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill |
1,260 |
65 x 49 x 28 |
52, 800 |
|
2 |
  |
Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill |
540 |
52.5 x 47.5 x 24.6 |
52, 000 |
|
3 |
  |
Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP Gas Charcoal |
1,100 |
82 x 23 x 54 |
12,000 |
|
4 |
  |
Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill |
952 |
68.5 x 28.7 x 45.6 |
24, 000 |
|
5 |
  |
Char-Broil 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Combo Grill |
505 |
27.9 x 74.2 x 46.8 |
48,000 |
Reviews of The Best Charcoal Gas Combo Grills
Now that you understand what hybrid grills are, I’ll jump straight to my top picks so that you get to know which grills are worth purchasing. Why should you trust my reviews? Well, I understand that there are so many bloggers out there claiming to be experts but the truth is they don’t know a thing about grills. At Yunnan Kitchen, We always do rigorous tests on the products in order to give our readers firsthand information. I hope you guys will gain some insights that will help you to choose the best gas charcoal combo grill in this review.
1. Char-Griller Duo Gas/Charcoal Model 5050 Grill.
If you are searching for a perfectly sized grill, the Char-Griller Model 5050 might be the best option available. This grill oozes quality, efficiency and elegance.
You definitely can’t resist the urge of cooking your meat using this hybrid grill. For those who have been into the grilling game for long, they know why the Char-Griller Duo is popular.
Honestly, I find the Char-Griller’s Duo 5050 to be the most reliable gas and charcoal grill. For starters, it features two sided grills and each one of them has a space of 438 square inches. I am sure this is enough space to cook your steak and other meals. The good thing is that one side uses gas while the other one relies on charcoal. You get to choose which one you want to use depending on the quality and flavor you are looking for.
Performance
The performance of the Duo 5050 model is on a whole new level; this hybrid grill was designed to be a workhorse. Its size alone tells you that the Duo 5050 is perfect for people who are into some serious grilling. Honestly, I am a proud owner of the Char-Griller Duo and I have spent more than two years grilling veggies, steak, chicken and hamburgers with it.
The gas grill is ideal if you want to make some fast meals within a short period of time. I prefer using the gas grill during weekdays since it gets the job done very fast. The Duo 5050 comes features an ignition which lights all the three burners. This gives you enough space to cook for your family or friends in one round.
So, when do you get to use the charcoal grill? Well, I prefer to use It during weekends. This is always the perfect time to make some delicious food and grill some chicken or beef. The good thing about using charcoal is that you will get the flavor you desire. The Charcoal grill is ideal when you want your food and meats to cook nice and slow.
Features
The Char-Griller Duo 5050 has several features that are meant to make your grilling adventures enjoyable. For starters, you can use the side burner as a table for preparing food. If you are not preparing food, you can place your grilling ingredients or even a glass of beer as you are monitor your food.
Additionally, it comes with three hooks which you can hang all your grilling tools. When using the charcoal grill, you can control the flame by adjusting the dampers and dropping the hood.
Durability
Having used the Duo 5050 for 2 years, I am extremely happy that the grill is still working. This can be attributed to the fact that it is made from high quality materials. Unfortunately, there are some non stainless metals which might rust when exposed to harsh conditions. Make sure you protect your grill using the premium Duo Cover.
PROS
- Ample Grilling space
- Durable Construction
- Dual Fuel Convenience
CONS
- It is cumbersome
- Some parts might rust when not taken care for
Review
There is no incertitude that the Char-Griller Duo is the best gas charcoal combo grill for the money. I really like it because of the ample grilling space and convenience of using both grills at the same time.
2. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner
Owning a high quality hybrid grill means that you’ll have to dig deeper into your pockets. Surprisingly, things are different with the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner. It is the most affordable grill you can get your hands on. Price is one of the factors that makes this combo grill a great choice if you are on a budget.
The Char-Broil Gas2Coal grill is more like a convertible gas grill. You can convert it to a charcoal grill whenever you want. The only downside of this grill is that you can only use one fuel at a time. You do not have the freedom of cooking on charcoal and gas at the same time.
The Char-Broil Gas2Coal grill is more like a convertible gas grill. You can convert it to a charcoal grill whenever you want. The only downside of this grill is that you can only use one fuel at a time. You do not have the freedom of cooking on charcoal and gas at the same time.
Performance
Assembling the Gas2Coal is a bit simple but you might need some tools and at least one hour of your time. Luckily, the package comes with clear instructions and all the hardware required to assemble your grill. Besides, the cooking compartment is pre-assembled which is pretty awesome.
Cooking on the gas grill is pretty straightforward as there is no technical knowledge required. In fact, there is a control panel which has the necessary regulators. Things change when using the charcoal grill. In fact, controlling the heat is not a walk in the park especially if it’s your first time using this grill. The only way you can regulate the cooking temperature is by reducing or increasing the amount of coal or charcoal. You will definitely get the hang of it once you use it several times.
Features
Honestly, there is so much to like about the Gas2Coal grill. Being one of the best gas and charcoal combo grills, I like how easy it is to light up the charcoal. You do not have to struggle and spend a lot of time trying to get your charcoal or coal burning. You have the option of lighting them up using gas. At least you’ll be ready to grill your meats or foods in less than 10 minutes. Isn’t that awesome?
The other great feature I like is the presence of a side burner. It comes in handy when one wants to prepare side dishes as well as warming sauces. Moreover, you can use this section as a shelf to prepare your food.
Gas2Coal Grill also comes with a cooking temperature thermometer. It helps to monitor the temperatures of the grill when cooking. At least, you will have an idea on when to increase or reduce the amount of heat.
Finally, this hybrid grill features high quality Cast Iron cooking grates that will ensure your foods cooks properly. Besides, the grates are really good when it comes to making visible sear marks on your meats.
Space
Despite the Char-broil Gas2Coal being a small grill, it comes with enough space to get the job done. For starters, it has 550 square inches of grilling space which is enough to cook food for the entire family. Besides, it has a designated space to store the charcoal pan.
Durability
The Char-Broil grill features a sturdy tubular metal construction that gives it a long lifespan. You can use this grill for several years as it requires little maintenance. In fact, the burners are covered with a five year warranty.
PROS
- Dual fuel
- Side burner
- Sleek and lightweight design
CONS
- You can either cook using gas or charcoal not both.
Verdict
The Char-Broil Combination grill is ideal for people who are looking for a small and stylish hybrid grill. You can actually use this grill on your balcony if you do not have a backyard. This grill is easy to use and can meet the needs of both beginners and experts.
3. Smoke Hollow 4-in -1 LP Gas Charcoal Smoker Searing Grill
If you still haven’t found the best gas charcoal combination grill, you might consider purchasing the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP grill. It is the perfect choice for those grillers who consider themselves to be jacks of all trades.
One of my close friends owns one of these grills and I have been lucky to use it a few times. Well, I am not a huge fan of large grills but I happen to like the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP. Without wasting time, let’s see how this grill holds up.
Performance & Features
The Smoke Hollow grill comes with instructions on how to assemble the Lids, Searing Side Burner and the Smoker. I would say assembly is quite easy and it only requires 30 minutes or so. Once the assembly is completed, you’ll have a massive 860 square inches of cooking space. Remember there is still a warming rack that provides 100 square inches of space. Wow! The Smoke Hollow is truly a beast when it comes to space.
Unlike most hybrid grills, this beast features a well-built searing burner. This is what makes it one of the best gas charcoal combo grills. I also noticed it comes with strong Cast Iron Grates which retain and disperse heat evenly. You won’t have to deal with burnt patches when grilling your steaks. Besides, I was impressed by how the grates allows one to cooks fish and meats within a short time, and at the same time achieving an amazing flavor. The fact that the searing burner is infrared, you’ll be able to achieve up to 12000 BTU of power.
The gas grill section comes with steel burners which heat up a little slower than Cast Iron Burners. One has to wait for some time before you place your foods in there. Fortunately, it has cast iron grates which will help retain the heat and cook food in reasonable lengths of time.
Cooking Pork and Beef is so easy when using the charcoal grill. You can control the amount of heat in this compartment by raising or lowering the charcoal tray. In, fact the grill allows you to shift the charcoal tray to six different positions. Besides, there are some efficient dumpers which you can close when you want your meals to cook slowly.
The other additional feature is the smoker. This chamber is not that great but you can always modify it to work perfectly. I noticed there were airflow and ash issues especially because the grates hangs so low. You can lift them using bricks and the issue will be sorted.
Space
The Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 LP is a massive and cumbersome grill. This means you should have enough space for this grill. The best place to keep it is on the backyard, lawn, or patio. Do not even think about purchasing this grill if you don’t have ample space.
PROS
- Has ample cooking space
- It comes with a Gas grill, charcoal grill and a smoker.
- Easy to clean
- Cast Iron Grates
CONS
- The smoker requires some modifications to function properly
Verdict
I was impressed by the incredible searing burner and the amazing charcoal grill. Additionally, the Cast Iron Grates are perfectly designed to do a perfect job. Be prepared to splash some good money to own this massive hybrid grill.
4. Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill
I understand that most people are a bit skeptical when it comes to purchasing combo grills. I was there before but my opinion changed when I tried some of the best gas charcoal combo grills. The Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D model happens to be one of those great hybrid grills. It has an elegant and lightweight design.
Yeah, you heard me right! This combo grill is extremely light at 92.6 pounds. For your information, most hybrid grills weigh up to 150 pounds.
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty details of this equipment.
Performance & Features
Assembling the Dyna-Glo is so straight forward; even a first-timer can do the job in less than 30 minutes. It comes with a detailed manual which is easy to comprehend. Honestly, the manufacturer deserves a thumbs up for coming up with such a good manual.
What should you expect of this combo grill in terms of food quality? Well, the Dyna-Glo is one of those combo grills which gives food an amazing flavor and aroma. The grill has two compartments; the charcoal grill is placed on the right side, while the gas grill is on the left. Both grills provide a large surface for grilling lots of foods. Besides, the grill features cast iron grates which are popular for their ability to distribute and hold heat evenly.
I found the charcoal side to be much better than the gas grill. The quality of the grates assures you of some evenly cooked food and most importantly the charcoal gives food a unique flavor. On the other hand, the gas grill is not good at all. The heat distribution is uneven and it might lead to messed up cook times. You have to keep an eye on your food when using the gas grill.
Space
The Dyna-Glo is the best gas charcoal combo grill especially if you are looking for something that won’t require a lot of space. The size of this grill is enough to accommodate around 38 medium sized burgers.
PROS
- It is lightweight & portable
- Has an incredible charcoal grill
- Dual fuel grill
CONS
- The gas grill needs some improvement in terms of heat distribution
5. Char-Broil Gas & Charcoal Standard Grill
The Char-Broil Standard Grill is another awesome combo grill, but it happens to be the last in my list. This does not mean this grill is bad. In fact, you will be surprised by the number of features and performance level of this grill. It is a great combo grill for guys looking for medium-sized grills to use on their backyards.
Performance & Features
As you well know, the Char-Broil Grills are so popular because of their efficiency. It’s no different with the Standard Grill model. For starters, it has three gas burners that emit up to 36000 BTUs of heat. Secondly, it comes with a side burner which can produce 1200 BTUs of heat. You can light these burners using the electric ignition. The gas grill features an easy to use control panel; it has three knobs that you can use to regulate heat and other purposes.
The Charcoal grill is well built to facilitate an easy cleaning time. For instance, it has an ash pan which slides out easily. Besides, it has a charcoal access door and an adjustable grate to ease the work of adding more charcoal. What’s better? The primary grates are fitted with temperature gauges to help you monitor the amount of heat being produced.
Space
If you are looking for a hybrid grill that has ample space to grill and cook your side dishes, the Char-Broil Gas & Charcoal combo Standard Grill is a good choice. This medium-sized grill will provide you with 505 square inches of cooking area.
PROS
- Come with dual temperature gauges
- It has 3 high quality gas burners
- It is easy to use
- Well-designed charcoal grill
CONS
- Prone to rust
- It is quite cumbersome
Verdict
It’s crystal clear that this combo grill has impressive features that makes it easy to grill all types of foods and meats. This is the perfect choice if you want a grill that brings the best of both gas and charcoal grills. I also like the rolling castor wheels because they allow for maximum portability.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Hybrid Grills
Even though I have reviewed some of the best combo grills on the market, it is imperative to know which factors are worth looking into when you hit shopping. Once you learn how to identify a good combo grill, you’ll never get ripped off. I always advise my readers to look into these factors if they want a high quality grill.
Build Quality
Before you even think of the features and price of a grill, always check out how it has been built. You have to ensure that it is made from a high quality material that can last for years. Secondly, make sure the material is resistant to harsh conditions. Some grills will come with a finish to protect them from rust and corrosion.
Temperature control
The second thing you need to check out is whether the grill allows for easy temperature control. Of course the gas grill compartment will come with temperature regulators. The problem comes when using the charcoal grill. You need to check whether it has air vents or any other features that can help you regulate the temperatures easily.
Features
Once you are satisfied that your grill meets the factors above, you can now choose your best gas charcoal combo grill by considering the features available. You can choose a grill that has side burners, built-in thermometer, and hooks for hanging your grilling tools. There so many features you can look out for.
Space
As a pro griller, you have to consider the amount of space that your grill provides. Some grills have larger spaces while others have small grilling spaces. This is a choice you have to make depending on the size of your family and the place you want to keep your combo grill.
Ease of Cleaning
Before you add any item to your shopping cart, ensure that it does not present any difficulties when cleaning. The cooking area has to be cleaned after every cooking session. This means you should buy a grill that has a system that makes cleaning super easy. Make sure your charcoal grill has a special tray to collect the ashes.
Conclusion
From my research and experiments, I have no doubt that the Char-Griller Model 5050 is my all-time favorite gas and charcoal grill combo. Its features and build quality makes it the best gas charcoal combo grill. With the 5050 Model, you will definitely get to experience both worlds of gas and charcoal grilling.
The other combo grills are also great and they are definitely worth every penny. All the grills I have reviewed are very affordable and effective. Do not hesitate to ask any questions that might arise. Just drop an email and I’ll get back to you in a jiffy.
The ball is now on your side, which combo grill would you like to make your grilling adventures come true?
