You’ve probably wondered if investing in a combo grill truly saves you money and space compared to buying separate units. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. When you’re deciding between seven top-tier options, each offering different features and price points, understanding what actually matters becomes pivotal. The distinctions might surprise you.
Quick Overview
- Dual-fuel design enables seamless switching between propane gas and charcoal with independent section controls.
- Offset smoker provides 197 sq. in. of dedicated smoking space alongside 666 sq. in. primary cooking area.
- Three stainless steel burners generate 34,000 BTU total output for consistent, precise temperature regulation across zones.
- Heavy-duty steel construction with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates ensures long-term durability and even heat distribution.
- Easy-dump ash pan and slide-out ash tray with large grease cup simplify maintenance and cleanup.
| 2-Burner Gas Charcoal Combo Grill with Smoker |
| Best Overall | Total Cooking Area: 1,020 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: 666 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 34,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal Gas Smoker |
| Professional Grade | Total Cooking Area: 1,031 sq. in. (750 primary + 281 firebox) | Primary Cooking Area: 750 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 36,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Char-Griller Dual-Function Gas and Charcoal Grill Smoker (E5030) |
| Best Value | Total Cooking Area: 870 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: 606 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 24,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Captiva Designs Dual Fuel Propane Charcoal Grill Combo |
| Budget-Friendly Pick | Total Cooking Area: 690 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: 520 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Royal Gourmet Dual Fuel Propane Charcoal BBQ Grill |
| Most Portable | Total Cooking Area: 759 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: 592 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| 3 Burner Propane and Charcoal Combo Grill |
| Best For Beginners | Total Cooking Area: 685 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: Not specified | Total BTU Output: 37,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill |
| Maximum Cooking Space | Total Cooking Area: 1,390 sq. in. | Primary Cooking Area: Not specified | Total BTU Output: 52,800 BTU (40,800 main + 12,000 side) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
2-Burner Gas Charcoal Combo Grill with Smoker
If you’re looking to maximize cooking versatility without sacrificing space, this 2-burner dual-fuel grill delivers everything you need in one compact unit. You’ll enjoy 1,020 square inches of total cooking area, including 666 square inches of primary space split equally between gas and charcoal sections. The offset smoker adds 197 square inches for infusing meats with authentic smoky flavor, while the warming rack keeps dishes at serving temperature. With dual stainless steel main burners producing 12,000 BTU each and a 10,000 BTU side burner, you’ve got 34,000 total BTU for consistent heat control. The adjustable charcoal pan lets you fine-tune temperatures, and you’ll cook up to 36 burgers simultaneously.
- Total Cooking Area:1,020 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:666 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:34,000 BTU
- Burger Capacity:36 burgers
- Grate Material:Not specified
- Ash/Grease Management:Side door for ash removal
- Additional Feature:Offset smoker with side door
- Additional Feature:3-level adjustable charcoal pan
- Additional Feature:Piezo ignition system
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal Gas Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo brings together serious smoking and grilling in one powerhouse unit—perfect for pitmasters who won’t compromise on versatility. You’ll get a spacious 750-square-inch primary grate for grilling up to 12 burgers, plus a dedicated 281-square-inch firebox grate for smoking. The 3-burner gas grill delivers 36,000 BTUs of power, while the horizontal charcoal chamber handles two pork shoulders simultaneously. You’ll appreciate the adjustable dampers for precise temperature regulation, removable ash pan for easy cleanup, and dual wagon wheels for convenient mobility. Multiple shelves store your wood splits and tools, and the cool-touch handles safeguard operation. It’s backed by a 2-year warranty covering all parts.
- Total Cooking Area:1,031 sq. in. (750 primary + 281 firebox)
- Primary Cooking Area:750 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:36,000 BTU
- Burger Capacity:12 burgers (primary), 6 burgers (firebox)
- Grate Material:Not specified
- Ash/Grease Management:Removable ash pan
- Additional Feature:Horizontal cooking chamber design
- Additional Feature:2 large rubber-treaded wheels
- Additional Feature:Bottom shelf for storage
Char-Griller Dual-Function Gas and Charcoal Grill Smoker (E5030)
For those who want maximum versatility without sacrificing cooking capacity, Char-Griller’s E5030 delivers impressive performance across 870 square inches of cooking space. You’ll appreciate the dual-function design, which lets you switch between propane gas and charcoal cooking depending on your preference. The 24,000 BTU burners provide consistent heat control, while adjustable grate height and a temperature gauge guarantee precision cooking. Heavy-duty steel construction with porcelain-coated cast iron grates withstands years of use. The side firebox expands your smoking capabilities, and the easy dump ash pan simplifies cleanup. This model balances affordability with functionality, making it an excellent choice for versatile grilling and smoking.
- Total Cooking Area:870 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:606 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:24,000 BTU
- Burger Capacity:Not specified
- Grate Material:Porcelain coated cast iron
- Ash/Grease Management:Easy dump ash pan
- Additional Feature:Adjustable grate height
- Additional Feature:Side fire box
- Additional Feature:Temperature gauge included
Captiva Designs Dual Fuel Propane Charcoal Grill Combo
You’ll appreciate Captiva Designs’ dual fuel system if you want the flexibility to grill with both propane and charcoal without committing to a single fuel source. The independently controlled burners let you switch between fuels seamlessly, giving you 690 square inches of total cooking space. You’ll work with 520 square inches of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates for primary cooking and 170 square inches of stainless steel warming racks. The three stainless steel burners deliver consistent heat, while dedicated grease and ash trays simplify cleanup. The tilted grease tray design guarantees effortless drainage. Captiva Designs backs your purchase with responsive customer support, ensuring answers within 24 hours.
- Total Cooking Area:690 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:520 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Burger Capacity:Not specified
- Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron (primary), stainless steel (secondary)
- Ash/Grease Management:Ash tray for charcoal, grease tray for propane
- Additional Feature:Independently controlled fuel systems
- Additional Feature:3 stainless steel burners
- Additional Feature:24-hour customer support response
Royal Gourmet Dual Fuel Propane Charcoal BBQ Grill
Want a versatile grilling solution that doesn’t force you to choose between charcoal and gas? The Royal Gourmet Dual Fuel Propane Charcoal BBQ Grill delivers exactly that with its innovative 2-in-1 design. You’ll get 759 square inches of total cooking space—including 592 square inches of primary grates and a 167-square-inch warming rack—letting you cook up to 30 burgers simultaneously. The grill features two side shelves for prep work and three accessory hooks for convenient storage. Moving it around is effortless thanks to two 6-inch wheels and two lockable 3-inch casters. Maintenance stays simple with a slide-out ash tray, large-capacity grease cup, and grease tray, making cleanup quick and hassle-free.
- Total Cooking Area:759 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:592 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:Not specified
- Burger Capacity:30 burgers
- Grate Material:Not specified
- Ash/Grease Management:Slide-out ash tray, grease cup and tray
- Additional Feature:Two side shelves included
- Additional Feature:Lockable caster wheels available
- Additional Feature:3 hooks for accessories
3 Burner Propane and Charcoal Combo Grill
The 3-burner propane and charcoal combo grill is ideal for those who won’t compromise on cooking versatility. You’ll appreciate the 685 square-inch cooking area featuring porcelain-enameled cast iron grates that accommodate multiple dishes simultaneously. With 37,000 BTU across three main burners plus a dedicated side burner, you can sear steaks while slow-roasting ribs. The height-adjustable charcoal pan lets you control heat intensity precisely. Lid-mounted dampers and an invisible front air vent optimize airflow and flame management. You’ll find cleanup effortless thanks to the grease management system and removable ash collection. This grill delivers professional-grade performance for serious backyard cooking.
- Total Cooking Area:685 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:Not specified
- Total BTU Output:37,000 BTU
- Burger Capacity:Not specified
- Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Ash/Grease Management:Ash collection system, grease management system
- Additional Feature:Lid-mounted dampers included
- Additional Feature:Height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Additional Feature:Invisible front air vent
Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill
If you’re seeking serious smoking capability without sacrificing gas grilling convenience, the Char-Griller Texas Trio delivers an impressive 1,390 square inches of cooking space across its main grill, side burner, and dedicated offset firebox. You’ll appreciate the three stainless steel main burners paired with 40,800 BTU of gas output, letting you sear and grill with precision. The side firebox enables authentic Texas-style offset smoking, while electronic ignition and dual temperature gauges simplify your cooking experience. Built from alloy steel and weighing 202 pounds, this versatile unit handles searing, grilling, and smoking effortlessly. An EasyDump ash pan and large underneath shelf enhance practicality, making cleanup and storage convenient.
- Total Cooking Area:1,390 sq. in.
- Primary Cooking Area:Not specified
- Total BTU Output:52,800 BTU (40,800 main + 12,000 side)
- Burger Capacity:Not specified
- Grate Material:Not specified
- Ash/Grease Management:EasyDump ash pan
- Additional Feature:Side firebox offset smoking
- Additional Feature:Dual temperature gauges
- Additional Feature:Large underneath shelf space
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Gas Combo Grill With Smoker
When you’re shopping for a charcoal gas combo grill with smoker, you’ll want to evaluate several critical factors that directly impact your grilling experience. Consider the cooking area size to match your typical guest count, the heat output capacity for your preferred cooking methods, and the fuel flexibility options that suit your lifestyle. You should also examine the construction quality materials for durability, and assess how easily you can clean and maintain the grill to keep it in peak condition.
Cooking Area Size
Your grill’s total cooking surface directly impacts how much food you can prepare simultaneously and how flexibly you can manage multiple cooking methods. You’ll want to evaluate the primary cooking area for direct grilling, the warming rack for keeping food hot, and the offset smoker section for smoking meats.
Consider what you typically cook. If you’re grilling burgers for a crowd, you’ll need substantial primary cooking space. For smoking pork shoulders, guarantee your offset smoker accommodees your preferred cuts. A larger overall cooking area lets you sear steaks on one section while smoking ribs on another, maximizing efficiency.
Assess your entertaining needs and cooking style. This determines whether a compact grill suits you or whether you’d benefit from a larger model that handles multiple tasks without compromising quality or capacity.
Heat Output Capacity
The BTU output you’ll find on a combo grill’s specifications sheet matters considerably because it directly determines how quickly and efficiently you can sear steaks, maintain smoking temperatures, and handle multiple cooking zones simultaneously. You’ll want to examine how BTUs distribute across main burners, side burners, and the charcoal area—uneven distribution limits your temperature control flexibility.
Adjustable burner controls let you fine-tune heat levels for different cooking techniques, whether you’re searing at high temperatures or smoking low and slow. Look for grills featuring effective airflow and insulation that minimize heat loss and maintain consistent cooking temperatures. This combination of adequate total BTU output with strategic distribution and quality controls expands your grill’s versatility, letting you execute any cooking method confidently.
Fuel Flexibility Options
Because you’ll want to maximize your cooking versatility, fuel flexibility stands out as a defining feature of quality charcoal gas combo grills. The ability to switch between charcoal and gas lets you choose the right tool for each cooking task. You’ll appreciate charcoal’s distinct smoky flavor for traditional barbecuing, while gas delivers rapid, even heating when you need high-temperature searing. Look for models with separate compartments that allow independent temperature control and simultaneous dual-fuel operation. This configuration expands your cooking possibilities extensively. If the grill includes an offset smoker attachment, you’ll gain true low-and-slow smoking capabilities, transforming your combo unit into an all-encompassing outdoor cooking station that handles everything from quick weeknight meals to weekend smoking projects.
Construction Quality Materials
When you’re investing in a combo grill with smoker, the materials used in its construction directly determine how long it’ll last and perform. Look for durable steel construction that withstands high temperatures and heavy use over time. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer excellent heat retention and simplify cleaning afterward. You’ll want stainless steel burners and components that resist rust and corrosion, guaranteeing long-lasting performance even in harsh weather. A powder-coated finish protects against the elements while preventing fading or chipping. Finally, inspect the heavy-duty hinges, wheels, and hardware—these components maintain stability during cooking and mobility when you need to move your grill. Quality materials represent a worthwhile investment.
Cleaning Maintenance Ease
While quality materials safeguard your grill lasts for years, you’ll also want to ponder how readily you can maintain it. Look for models with easily removable ash trays and grease management systems that simplify cleanup after grilling and smoking. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates and non-stick surfaces minimize stuck-on food residue, saving you scrubbing time. Sturdy wheels and casters let you move the grill for thorough cleaning underneath, while accessible dampers and vents make temperature adjustments hassle-free. Consider whether dishwasher-safe components like grill grates and grease traps are available, enabling quick, convenient cleaning. These features transform maintenance from a dreaded chore into a manageable task, ensuring your investment stays in top condition.
Mobility and Storage
The portability of your combo grill matters just as much as its cooking capabilities. You’ll want to examine the grill’s weight, size, and mobility features like wheels or casters to guarantee you can transport and store it without hassle.
Look for a compact footprint with folding or removable side shelves that minimize space when you’re not cooking. An offset smoker that detaches or tucks away provides additional storage flexibility. These design choices make a significant difference if you have limited yard or garage space.
Beyond the grill itself, verify it has ample storage compartments for accessories like utensils, charcoal, and wood chips. Built-in storage keeps everything organized and accessible, eliminating the need for separate containers cluttering your outdoor area.
