Best Gas and Charcoal Grill Combos: Top BBQ Combo Grills
Ever find yourself torn between the smoky flavor of charcoal and the convenience of gas grilling? You’re not alone. Many grill enthusiasts want both in their outdoor cooking arsenal, but switching between two separate grills isn’t ideal. That’s where gas and charcoal combo grills come in. These versatile grills offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to sear steaks quickly with gas while achieving that slow-cooked, smoky goodness only charcoal can deliver.
We’ve rounded up the best combo BBQ grills of 2024, blending durability, top-notch performance, innovative designs, and features that take your outdoor cooking to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or crafting your BBQ masterpieces, the right gas and charcoal combo grill makes all the difference. Ready to find the perfect grill for you? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What are Gas and Charcoal Combo Grills?
Combo grills are versatile cooking appliances that combine gas and charcoal grilling in one unit, giving users the flexibility to choose between quick, controlled gas cooking or the smoky flavor of charcoal. Ideal for those who love both styles, they save space and money by eliminating the need for two separate grills.
Why should I get a Combo Grill?
Gas and charcoal combo grills offer several key benefits for grilling enthusiasts:
- Versatility in cooking options
- Quick gas grilling convenience
- Rich smoky flavor of charcoal
- Space-saving dual functionality
- Cost-effective alternative to two grills
Versatility in cooking options:
Combo grills are perfect for those who can’t decide between gas or charcoal grilling—why choose when you can have both? Whether you're whipping up quick weeknight meals or going all-in for smoky weekend BBQs, combo grills give you ultimate flexibility without the hassle of owning two separate units.
Quick gas grilling convenience:
Got a busy schedule but still want to grill? The gas side of a combo grill heats up fast, so you can go from “I'm starving” to “Dinner’s ready” in no time. No more waiting for charcoal to get hot—you’re in control and on your timeline.
Rich smoky flavor of charcoal:
When the weekend rolls around, nothing beats the deep, smoky flavor that only charcoal can deliver. Combo grills give you that classic BBQ taste with the added bonus of features like smoker boxes, making it even easier to nail the perfect flavor profile.
Space-saving dual functionality:
If your outdoor space is more cozy than sprawling, a combo grill is a lifesaver. You get all the functionality of both gas and charcoal in one compact setup, making it a smart solution for smaller patios or backyards.
Cost-effective alternative to two grills:
Why shell out for two separate grills when one combo grill can do the job? Not only do you save money, but you also get premium features that make both gas and charcoal cooking a breeze—all in one versatile, budget-friendly package.
Our Picks for the Best Combo Gas Charcoal Grills
- American-Made Grills Encore 54-inch Hybrid Grill - Best-In-Class
- American Made Grills Muscle 54 Hybrid Inch Grill - Coolest Looking Grill on the Market
- Fire Magic Aurora A830I Combo Grill - Best Designed Dual Hood Grill
- Coyote Centaur 50-inch Dual Fuel Grill - Biggest-In-Class Dual Hood Design
- Sunstone Series 42-inch Hybrid Grill - Best Charcoal-Focused Dual Fuel Grill
- Sunstone Series 30 Inch Hybrid Grill - Best Compact Hybrid Grill
To start, let’s explore the six best BBQ grills that are the perfect solution for those who love outdoor cooking.
1. American-Made Grills Encore 54-inch Hybrid Grill
Manufactured by: American-Made Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (4.6/5)
Known for: Best in Class
When it comes to the pinnacle of gas and charcoal combo grills, the American-Made Grills Encore 54-inch Hybrid Grill is the king of the castle. This grill brings you multi-fuel high performance with gas or charcoal/wood chunks at the highest level possible.
Designed to stand out, its sleek yet durable 304 stainless steel construction not only ensures longevity but adds a polished, modern look to your outdoor kitchen. With hand-finished clean detailing and a 16-gauge double-lined hood, this grill doesn’t just perform—it’s a showstopper. The classic AMG blue LED-backlit knobs and bright interior halogen lighting make nighttime grilling effortless, combining high-end functionality with style.
The Encore 54’s impressive craftsmanship and design gives you the versatility to seamlessly switch between fuel types while maintaining superior heat control and efficiency. If you're looking for a combination of beauty, power, and flexibility, this hybrid grill is the ultimate solution.
What We Love About American Made Grills Encore Grill
- Hybrid multi-fuel tray system: The ultimate flexibility! Grill with gas, charcoal, lump charcoal, or wood chunks for authentic BBQ flavor, giving you complete control over your grilling style.
- Eight powerful 14-gauge 304 stainless steel burners: A grilling powerhouse with 176,000 BTUs, you’ll get high, even heat across the entire surface for restaurant-quality searing.
- Expansive 1,687 sq. inch grilling surface: Cook for a crowd! This spacious grill can handle up to 60 burgers at once, making it perfect for large gatherings.
- Heavy-duty 9-gauge V-shaped cooking grates: These grates are designed for exceptional searing while also offering a reversible flat side for delicate foods like fish.
- Heat zone separators: Tackle different dishes at varying temperatures at the same time, making it easy to cook a complete meal without sacrificing precision.
- Spring-assisted hood: No heavy lifting here! This makes it easy to open and close while you cook.
- Comprehensive accessory kit: Everything you need in one package—rotisserie kit, grill cover, stainless steel griddle, infrared burner, and more. It’s the complete grilling experience.
- Made in the USA: Crafted with care and backed by a Gold Standard warranty, offering peace of mind with top-notch durability and support.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Exceptional build quality | High price point |
| Extensive cooking area | Single grill hood set up |
| Multiple fuel options | Not ideal for small backyards |
| Nothing short of perfection |
2. American Made Grills Muscle 54-Inch Hybrid Grills
Manufactured by: American-Made Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (4.6/5)
Known for: Coolest Looking Grill on the Market
Gentlemen, start your engines! The American-Made Grills Muscle 54 Hybrid Grill draws its design inspiration from the iconic Shelby Cobra, offering more than just a high-performance grilling experience. With sleek, powerful lines reminiscent of a classic American muscle car, this grill is built for enthusiasts who crave both style and functionality. Just like the Shelby Cobra, it combines bold aesthetics with high-octane performance, delivering a one-of-a-kind cooking experience for grillers who want more than just the standard backyard BBQ.
The American Made Muscle Grill exudes power and precision with its rugged 304 stainless steel body. Designed for high-performance outdoor cooking, its hand-welded craftsmanship, coupled with heavy-duty stainless steel grates and burners, delivers unmatched grilling power.
With a multi-fuel tray system that allows you to seamlessly switch between wood, charcoal, and gas, this grill lets you take full control of your cooking experience, offering versatility in flavor and heat management. The bold, Shelby Cobra-inspired design makes it the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen, while its high-powered 110,000 BTU output means you’re always grilling with serious firepower.
What We Love About American Made Grills Muscle Grill
- Shelby Cobra-Inspired Design: The American Made Grills Muscle Series channels the bold, polished look of a Shelby Cobra, offering both style and strength in stainless steel construction.
- Hybrid Multi-Fuel Tray System: Grill with gas, charcoal, lump charcoal, or wood chunks, allowing unmatched flexibility for authentic BBQ flavor and complete control.
- Eight Powerful 14-Gauge Stainless Steel Burners: Delivering 176,000 BTUs, these burners provide high, even heat for restaurant-quality searing.
- Expansive 1,687 sq. inch Grilling Surface: Perfect for large gatherings, this spacious grill can handle up to 60 burgers at once.
- Heavy-Duty 9-Gauge V-Shaped Cooking Grates: Designed for exceptional searing and reversible for delicate foods.
- Heat Zone Separators: Cook multiple dishes at different temperatures simultaneously, ensuring precision.
- Spring-Assisted Hood: Easy lifting makes opening and closing hassle-free while grilling.
- Comprehensive Accessory Kit: Comes with a rotisserie kit, grill cover, stainless steel griddle, infrared burner, and more, providing a complete grilling setup.
- Made in the USA: Crafted with care, backed by a Gold Standard warranty for long-lasting durability and peace of mind.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Inspired by Shelby Cobra | Pricey, making it an investment. |
| Versatile with multiple fuel options | Requires ample outdoor space. |
| High-quality build | Single grill hood set up |
| Perfect for large parties |
3. Fire Magic Aurora A830I Gas/Charcoal Combo Grill
Manufactured by: Fire Magic Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (4.4/5)
Known for: Best Designed Dual Hood Grill
Unite the best of both grilling worlds with the Fire Magic Aurora A830I! Featuring a dual grilling zone within one seamless, welded firebox, this premium grill offers both gas and charcoal grilling options in a single setup.
Made to be indestructible with 304 stainless steel construction and double-walled grill hoods for consistent grilling temperatures and preventing heat discoloration. Powered by 50,000 BTUs from dual cast stainless steel burners and featuring a Rapid Ignition system, you can enjoy a quick start for both gas and charcoal grilling. Its Diamond Sear Cooking Grids provide exceptional heat retention, ensuring even and faster grilling every time.
The design also emphasizes ease of use, with a 90° hood opening for full access and dual halogen lights for nighttime grilling. Whether you're hosting a large BBQ or just grilling for the family, the Fire Magic Aurora A830i provides ample grilling space and innovative features that make it a top choice for those who demand both performance and flexibility.
What We Love About Fire Magic Aurora Combo Grills
- Separate Gas and Charcoal Cooking Zones: Enjoy the convenience of gas grilling while enhancing flavors with a dedicated charcoal cooking area for authentic BBQ taste.
- Diamond Sear Cooking Grids: Superior heat retention ensures faster, even grilling while preventing food from slipping through the cracks.
- 828 sq. inches of grilling space: Two separate zones of 432 sq. inches each give you ample room to grill multiple items at once.
- 50,000 BTU gas burners: Cast stainless steel burners provide powerful, even heat for professional-quality grilling.
- 26,000 BTU rapid charcoal ignition: Get your charcoal grilling started in no time with a powerful gas burner beneath the tray.
- Adjustable charcoal tray: Easily control charcoal heat with a hand crank to adjust the tray height for perfect grilling temperatures.
- Dual halogen interior and knob lights: Grill effortlessly at night with bright interior lights and illuminated control knobs for a sleek, modern look.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Dual charcoal and gas cooking surfaces | Assembly complexity |
| High-quality 304 stainless steel construction | Requires a large space in your outdoor kitchen |
| Rotisserie Infrared Burner Available w/ Rotisserie Kit | |
| Available as a built-in or freestanding model |
Shop Fire Magic Aurora A830i Grills Now
4. Coyote Centaur 50-inch Dual Fuel Grill
Manufactured by: Coyote Outdoor Living Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (4.2/5)
Known for: Biggest in Class Dual Hood Design
When it comes to hybrid grills, the Coyote Centaur 50-inch Dual Fuel Grill stands out as a versatile outdoor cooking beast. Featuring a dual grilling surface to isolate your gas and charcoal grilling. This dual fuel grill is the perfect blend of the precision of gas grilling with the rich, smoky flavors of charcoal. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick gas-powered meal or a slow charcoal BBQ, the Centaur has you covered.
Made from durable 18-gauge 304 stainless steel, this dual fuel grill combines gas and charcoal grilling in one seamless, welded firebox. It’s got everything: over 1,200 square inches of grilling space, a convenient pull-out charcoal drawer for refills mid-cook, and two 30,000 BTU iBurners for quick preheating and high-heat searing. If you crave the best of both grilling worlds, the Centaur’s got your back.
What We Love About Coyote Centaur Dual Fuel Grill
- Individual gas and charcoal cooking surfaces: Isolated grilling area giving you gas grilling alongside the enhanced flavor of charcoal cooking.
- Massive grilling capacity: 1200 sq. inches of grilling space with dual 600 sq. inch main grilling area.
- Powerful iBurners: Two 30,000 BTU Coyote iBurners deliver intense heat for gas grilling perfection.
- Convenient charcoal drawer: Easily refill and load charcoal during cooking with the pull-out drawer.
- Adjustable Charcoal Tray: Hand crank allows for height and heat adjustments while grilling.
- Wind Guard: Built-in wind guard prevents drafts from disrupting cooking temperatures.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Superior heat control with iburners | Only available as a built-in model |
| Dual grill hood design | Higher price range for a dual-fuel grill |
| Grill lights on the gas side | Larger space required for installation |
| Enormous cooking space | |
| Front load pull-out charcoal tray |
5. Sunstone 42-inch Hybrid Dual Zone Grill
Manufactured by: Sunstone Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (4.1/5)
Known for: Best Charcoal-Focused Dual Fuel Grill
Meet the Sunstone Series 42-Inch Hybrid Dual Zone Grill, the ultimate dual-fuel grill designed to deliver everything you need for high-performance outdoor cooking. With two separate charcoal cooking zones, this grill gives you the power to cook at different temperatures simultaneously, perfect for both direct and indirect grilling. It’s like having two grills in one!
Each charcoal tray adjusts up to 7 inches for total control over your heat levels, while the innovative variable grill grates ensure a perfect cooking surface for everything from searing steaks to delicately grilling seafood. Plus, with customizable cooking surface inserts, you can add a pizza stone, griddle, or even a deep fryer to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen experience.
And let’s not forget the convenience of the 35,000 BTU gas burners—ideal for precision temperature control or for easily lighting your charcoal or wood. Proudly crafted in Texas, this grill doesn’t just promise versatility—it delivers culinary mastery. Ready to see what makes this grill a true game-changer? Let’s dive in!
What We Love About The Sunstone 42" Hybrid Grill
- Dual Zone Cooking Surfaces: Enjoy 960 sq. inches of grilling space, divided into two zones, offering versatility for different cooking styles.
- Two 7" Height-Adjustable Charcoal Trays: Fine-tune your heat with two adjustable trays, allowing smooth transitions between direct and indirect grilling in each zone.
- Variable Grill Grates: Versatile grates with varying rod spacing are ideal for searing, smoking, or grilling delicate foods, giving you total control over your cook.
- Pull-Out Fuel Tray System: Load fuel easily or access gas burners without interrupting your cooking flow, and clean up with minimal hassle.
- Dual Gas Burners: Provides 35,000 BTUs of power, perfect for lighting charcoal or wood, or for standalone gas grilling.
- Safety Locks on Charcoal Drawers: Added security for your home, keeping your grill safe and child-friendly.
- Made in the USA: Proudly crafted in Texas, exemplifying superior American engineering and craftsmanship.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Dual grilling zones | Built-in only and requires a large space. |
| Charcoal and wood-burning versatility. | A bit of a learning curve |
| Indirect & direct style charcoal adjustment trays | |
| Fantastic heat control |
6. Sunstone 30 Inch Hybrid Grill with Infrared Burner
Manufactured by: Sunstone Grills
Expert Rating ★★★★ ★ (3.9/5)
Known for: Best Compact Hybrid Grill
Don't be fooled by its compact size— the Sunstone Series 30-inch Hybrid Grill packs a serious punch in both versatility and performance. Its 30-inch frame may look modest, but it can handle up to 24 burgers at once, making it the perfect fit for those who want big grilling potential in a limited area.
This grill is all about delivering flavor, durability, and power. Equipped with dual 18-SR stainless steel burners pushing 30,000 BTUs, and a height-adjustable charcoal tray, it gives you easy versatility between slow-cooked BBQ and high-heat searing. The 304 stainless steel construction ensures longevity in all weather conditions, while the 15,000 BTU Infrared Rotisserie Burner adds extra grilling versatility, making this hybrid grill a true outdoor kitchen game-changer.
Proudly made in Texas and backed by a strong warranty, the Sunstone 30-Inch Hybrid Grill delivers top-tier performance for any grilling enthusiast. Here's why we think it might be the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen.
What We Love About Sunstone 30-Inch Hybrid Grills
- Height Adjustable Charcoal Tray: Fine-tune your heat levels between 2"-8" from cooking surfaces with an adjustable tray that allows for easy direct and indirect grilling.
- Pull-Out Fuel Tray System: Effortlessly load charcoal or access your gas burners without pausing your grilling session. Clean-up is just as easy with this user-friendly design.
- Dual Gas Burners: 30,000 BTUs of grilling power to either ignite charcoal/wood or use independently for gas grilling.
- 15,000 BTU Infrared Rotisserie Burner: Elevate your grilling game with a rotisserie burner that can hold up to two spits, perfect for roasting meats to perfection.
- Safety Locks on Charcoal Pull-Out Drawer: Added safety features, perfect for protecting your little ones around the grill.
- Made in the USA: Designed and engineered in Texas, this grill represents American craftsmanship at its finest.
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Burners used for charcoal/wood lighting and temp. control | Smaller cooking space |
| 15,000 BTU rotisserie infrared burner | Single-zone limitation |
| Perfect for small outdoor kitchens | Less burner power than some competitors |
| Made in the USA |
FAQs
Are gas charcoal combo grills worth it?
Gas charcoal combo grills are worth it for their flexibility and convenience. Customers love having quick gas grilling for weeknights, with charcoal’s authentic flavor for weekend BBQs. Plus, they save space and money by combining two grilling methods into one unit.
Do combo grills require more maintenance than regular grills?
Combo grills typically require more maintenance than standard grills due to their dual-fuel capabilities. Managing both gas and charcoal requires extra care, such as cleaning ash trays and maintaining both fuel systems. But many users find the versatility worth the effort.
Is it difficult to switch between gas and charcoal on a combo grill?
Switching between gas and charcoal on a combo grill is usually simple and user-friendly, thanks to designs like pull-out charcoal trays and gas ignition systems. While some models may require brief setup adjustments, most make transitioning between fuels quick and hassle-free.
Do gas and charcoal grill combinations heat up faster than charcoal-only grills?
Yes, since combo grills have gas burners, they heat up considerably faster than charcoal-only grills, helping for quick cooking.
Are built-in combo grills more durable than freestanding ones?
Both built-in and freestanding combo grills can be equally durable, depending on the materials used. However, built-in grills often integrate seamlessly into outdoor kitchens and are protected from wind and movement.
Final Thoughts
The Gas and Charcoal Combo BBQ Grills featured in this roundup offer unmatched versatility and performance, catering to both casual backyard cooks and serious BBQ enthusiasts alike.
Whatever is you choice, a quick convenience of gas or the smoky flavor of charcoal, these grills provide the best of both worlds.
Each model is designed with quality, efficiency, and user experience in mind, ensuring that every grilling session is both enjoyable and successful.