The modern-day man believes in a smart purchase. Be it in any field, including the perfect griller for a weekend outing, he chooses to find the one with the best features.
This pursuit of perfection has led to the steep rise in the advent of hybrid gas and charcoal grills. These grills can not only be used to grill and smoke but can also operate on gas.
The models are the manna dew for all food enthusiasts. The user has the option to work with multiple cooking surfaces and can regulate the temperature. The half charcoal half gas grills come in compact sizes with premium features.
Best Dual Function Grills
The market has a lot of varieties in hybrid gas charcoal grills. Products like the Weber gas and charcoal grills have taken over the market due to their features.
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo
Cooking Space: 1,060 Sq. Inches
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Cooking Space: 1,260 Sq. Inches
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
Cooking Space: 363 Sq. Inches
Warranty: Up to 5 yrs
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830
Cooking Space: 580 Sq. Inches
Warranty: Up to 5 yrs
Now, the best types of smokers and grills in the market are discussed in detail below with their pros and cons.
Top Pick
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo
This smoker offers versatility at its peak with both charcoal as well as a gas grill chamber. The multipurpose smoker has an attached offset firebox as well.
The structure has separate cooking chambers as well as adjustable dampers to regulate heat and smoke.
There is a total of 36000 BTU of heat in the Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo model and an additional side burner on the gas side.
The model has a primary cooking space of 750 square inches and a secondary cooking space of 310 square inches providing enough capacity for the grill enthusiast.
Additionally, the hybrid charcoal grill has cool-touch handles to protect the user from heat. It also has a professional temperature gauge which helps in monitoring both the cooking chambers.
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Affordable
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
The best part about this model is that it features both a gas and charcoal grill in one unit. The structure is heavy-duty steel construction with porcelain-coated cast iron grates.
It has 40800 BTUs heat capacity with an additional 12000 BTU side burner. The charcoal side has an adjustable, easy dump ash pan which also helps control the cooking temperature.
An additional feature of the dual-function grill is that it has an electronic ignition which enables easy handling of the device.
The model has a primary cooking space of 876 square inches and a total space of 1260 square inches.
The griller has a double insulated base which improves heat retention and utilizes less amount of charcoal. This reduces the cost of fuel and charcoal in the model.
The dual-function grill has an adjustable fire grate and a warming rack to enable better results in the kitchen.
Finest
Weber 15501001 Performer Deluxe Charcoal Grill
The model’s most striking feature is its Touch-N-Go gas ignition system, which allows the user to ignite charcoal by just clicking a button. Besides, it has a charcoal storage container to use at any point in time.
The model has an impressive cooking area of 363 square inches and is enough to grill around 13 burgers at a time.
The grill has a porcelain-enameled lid for superior heat retention while cooking, which maintains high temperatures.
To adjust the heat in the grill, the hybrid gas and charcoal grill has a built-in lid thermometer that displays the internal temperature.
The model has a hinged grate which makes it easy to add charcoal while grilling and can be replaced with a wok, pizza stone, or griddle.
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Top Pick
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830
Barrel-style grills have always had a fanbase over the years. This model is no exception to that. It follows the same style and yet infuses new features into its arsenal.
The heavy-duty steel construction model has an adjustable fire grate that helps to control the temperature. It has a powder coating finish which makes it heat-resistant.
It has a total cooking area of 850 square inches, giving one ample space to cook. The model has a side firebox installed and an easy dump ash pan, which helps in cleaning.
Its additional features include a temperature gauge, storage rack, and two wheels for easy transport. These features give it an added advantage over the other competitors in the market.
Read our full review here.
Why Gas Charcoal Grill?
Just like we discussed the best products in the market, it is essential to understand one’a necessity. If a gas charcoal grill satisfies the needs, only then should one invest in it.
There are a lot of pros and cons behind buying one. The grilling foods taste best when the ideal equipment is used.
Pros
Best Combination
They are the best of both worlds. It has the added advantage of having a gas as well as the smoky and delectable taste of charcoal.
One can use it as a smoker, and if needed, cook with wood chips too. This provides a lot of variety to a food enthusiast to try out a variety of dishes and experiment with cooking methods.
Budget Friendly
Combo Grills are more budget-friendly than two high-end single fuel grills. So for enthusiasts who love to cook with both gas and charcoal, the combo grill saves cost in the long run and is an automatic choice.
Space Requirements
These combo grills are often very compact in size. These dual function grills often convert from one mode to another for people who do not have enough space to accommodate the grills.
Cons
Quality and Price
It’s often a choice between poor quality and high-end grills.
The better combo grills are pretty costly in the market. Therefore one needs to strike the ideal balance between the price and its features.
Effectiveness
Though most combo grills provide various features, not all of them work perfectly. They aren’t as effective as single chamber grills.
For a better smoky experience, one is advised to buy charcoal grills.
Cooking Space
If the customer is not using both the cooking chambers simultaneously, the cooking space falls vehemently short.
It reduces the adequate amount of cooking with the same amount of heat. Thereby depending upon use, one should choose.
The Perfect Charcoal Combo Grill
A lot of factors come into play when choosing the perfect charcoal combo grill. The user needs to know the ideal balance between these features and buy accordingly.
The features of smoker accessories which play a major role are touched upon in the following section.
Cooking Surface
Cooking Surface is one of the most important parameters while choosing the perfect grill. A greater cooking surface makes it easier to cook a large amount.
The major disadvantage of the combo grills is that it becomes difficult to regulate temperatures. Keeping the ideal temperature throughout the surface is an ordeal.
Cooking Chamber
The grills have cooking chambers catering to different uses. Some models offer gas modes as well as charcoal grills.
This versatility in cooking chambers is an essential parameter for anybody willing to buy a new combo grill.
Smoker Box
A smoker box offers an option to use an additional variety of wood chips. This gives an enhanced smoky flavor to the meat.
Various models have smokers available with the grills.
Burner
Cooking temperature is one of the ideal conditions behind preparing the perfect grill. The models discussed have high heat burners which facilitate the cooking.
Each model has their own capacity and one needs to adhere to the specifications before buying one.
Grates
Grillers are equipped with grates since they distribute heat and manage the temperature more efficiently. The non stick grates have an added advantage due to the porcelain coating on them.
The grates are easier to clean, and maintenance cost is low hence. They also help with adjusting the level of the meat with respect to heat.
Temperature
Most standard grills have built-in temperature gauges. One of the essential parts of grilling is to maintain a specific temperature throughout.
This helps in uniform heating and cooking the meat perfectly. Hence, the best models in the market have temperature gauges that help you keep control of the cooking temperature.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the perfect dual-function grill is tricky.
They look like the perfect combination of gas and charcoal but maintaining it effectively is an ordeal. It depends on the user to assess both the modes’ features and arrive at the best solution.
The time required to cook is reduced in the hybrid gas and charcoal grills. Keeping that in mind, one should find the perfect find for their Sunday BBQ.
The parameters have been discussed in detail to help one choose their ideal partner for a smoky weekend!
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