You’re likely familiar with standard charcoal grills, but you’ve probably wondered what sets the best ones apart. If you’re serious about grilling, you’ll want to know which combo models deliver professional-grade performance without compromising flavor. We’ll explore three standout options that’ve earned loyal followings among dedicated grill enthusiasts—and reveal what features actually matter most.
Quick Overview
- Side burners expand cooking versatility by enabling simultaneous preparation of sauces, sides, and main proteins without compromising primary grill space.
- Independent temperature zones on charcoal and gas sections allow grill masters to sear high-heat items while slow-roasting delicate proteins simultaneously.
- Adjustable charcoal pans with dampers and air vents provide precise flame control, essential for achieving consistent results across varied cooking techniques.
- Combo models eliminate the need for multiple grilling units, streamlining setup while offering both smoky charcoal flavor and convenient gas cooking.
- Dedicated grease management systems and removable ash collection trays minimize cleanup time, allowing grill masters to focus on perfecting their craft.
| 3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo |
| Most Versatile Option | Cooking Area: 685 square inches (including warming racks) | Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron | Side Burner BTU: Included with 3 main burners (37,000 BTUs total) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Charbroil Classic 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill (463672817-P2) |
| Best Value | Cooking Area: 280 square inches (primary area) | Grate Material: Porcelain-coated wire | Side Burner BTU: 8,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Captiva Designs Propane and Charcoal Combo Grill |
| Best for Entertaining | Cooking Area: 690 square inches (520 sq.in. primary + 170 sq.in. warming rack) | Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled cast iron (nonstick, rust-resistant, crack-resistant) | Side Burner BTU: Included with 3 stainless steel burners | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
If you’re a serious griller who won’t compromise between the smoky depth of charcoal and the convenience of gas, the 3 Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo is your answer. This space-saving powerhouse combines both cooking methods in one unit, delivering 37,000 BTUs across three burners plus a side burner. You’ll master simultaneous cooking techniques—sear steaks on the gas side while slow-roasting ribs on charcoal. The 685-square-inch cooking area with porcelain-enameled cast iron grates handles any task. Height-adjustable charcoal pans give you precise temperature control, while lid-mounted dampers and front vents optimize air circulation. Cleanup’s effortless with removable grease trays and efficient ash collection. GREEN PARTY’s professional support guarantees your investment stays protected.
- Cooking Area:685 square inches (including warming racks)
- Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Side Burner BTU:Included with 3 main burners (37,000 BTUs total)
- Grease Management:Removable grease tray with cup collection
- Temperature Control:Height-adjustable charcoal pan; lid dampers and front air vent
- Customer Support:Professional post-purchase support
- Additional Feature:Dual cooking methods simultaneously
- Additional Feature:Height-adjustable charcoal pan
- Additional Feature:Lid-mounted dampers included
Charbroil Classic 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill (463672817-P2)
The Charbroil Classic 2-Burner Propane Gas Grill delivers versatility for home cooks who want both primary grilling and side-burner cooking in one compact unit. You’ll enjoy 20,000 total BTU of cooking power across its 280-square-inch primary surface and 8,000 BTU side burner. The porcelain-coated wire grates heat quickly and recover fast between batches, while precise control knobs let you adjust flames exactly how you need them. You can grill up to twelve burgers simultaneously. The removable grease tray with optional aluminum liner simplifies cleanup, and the large side shelf organizes your tools and sauces. The integrated cart rack securely stores your 20-pound propane tank, keeping everything accessible and organized.
- Cooking Area:280 square inches (primary area)
- Grate Material:Porcelain-coated wire
- Side Burner BTU:8,000 BTU
- Grease Management:Removable grease tray with optional aluminum liner
- Temperature Control:Precise flame adjustment knobs
- Customer Support:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Grills up to 12 burgers
- Additional Feature:Gear Trax system compatible
- Additional Feature:Integrated propane tank storage
Captiva Designs Propane and Charcoal Combo Grill
For backyard entertaining enthusiasts who can’t choose between gas and charcoal cooking, Captiva Designs’ combo grill eliminates that compromise. You’ll appreciate the massive 690 sq.in. cooking surface split between independent propane and charcoal sections, letting you prepare diverse dishes simultaneously. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver exceptional heat retention and durability while remaining nonstick and rust-resistant. Three stainless steel burners guarantee even heat distribution across both cooking methods. You’ll find cleanup invigoratingly simple thanks to the tilted grease tray and dedicated ash tray, both designed for hassle-free maintenance. Whether you’re hosting intimate gatherings or large parties, this versatile grill accommodates your varied preferences effortlessly.
- Cooking Area:690 square inches (520 sq.in. primary + 170 sq.in. warming rack)
- Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron (nonstick, rust-resistant, crack-resistant)
- Side Burner BTU:Included with 3 stainless steel burners
- Grease Management:Slide-out tilted grease tray with hanging grease box
- Temperature Control:Independent gas and charcoal controls
- Customer Support:24-hour response time on inquiries
- Additional Feature:Independently controlled gas/charcoal
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel warm rack
- Additional Feature:24-hour customer response guarantee
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Grill With Side Burner
When you’re shopping for a charcoal grill with a side burner, you’ll want to evaluate several key factors that directly impact your grilling experience and long-term satisfaction. You should assess the cooking area size to guarantee it matches your needs, examine temperature control options for precise cooking, consider fuel type flexibility for versatility, inspect the grate material quality for durability, and understand the cleanup and maintenance requirements before making your purchase. Each of these elements plays a vital role in determining whether a grill will deliver the performance and convenience you’re seeking.
Cooking Area Size
Since you’re shopping for a charcoal grill with a side burner, you’ll want to prioritize cooking area size as a fundamental consideration. You’ll find models ranging from 280 sq.in. for compact grills to over 690 sq.in. for expansive combos. Aim for at least 520 sq.in. of primary cooking surface to grill multiple items simultaneously—burgers, steaks, and vegetables all at once.
Side burners enhance versatility but can reduce primary cooking area if poorly designed, so you’ll need to evaluate the layout carefully. Consider warming racks too; they’ll expand your usable space without overcooking food.
Larger cooking areas enable you to host successful outdoor gatherings and prepare substantial quantities for parties or family barbecues.
Temperature Control Options
You’ll reveal that effective temperature management separates mediocre grilling from exceptional results, and charcoal grills with side burners offer multiple methods to achieve precise heat control. Height-adjustable charcoal pans let you fine-tune temperatures for different foods, while dampers and air vents regulate airflow for superior flame control. Consider models featuring independent temperature zones, enabling you to sear steaks simultaneously while slow-roasting ribs without compromise. Adjusting charcoal levels directly influences heat intensity, so you’ll gain the flexibility to switch between high-heat searing and low-and-slow cooking. These temperature control systems minimize heat loss and deliver consistent cooking temperatures throughout your session, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results every time you grill.
Fuel Type Flexibility
Beyond mastering heat control, fuel type flexibility distinguishes charcoal grills with side burners as superior outdoor cooking investments. You’ll appreciate the ability to switch between charcoal and propane, adapting seamlessly to different meal types and cooking techniques. Many combo grills feature independently controlled gas and charcoal sections, allowing you to cook simultaneously using methods that suit your preferences. While you’re grilling steaks directly over charcoal for that unmistakable smoky flavor, you can use the gas side burner for sauces and side dishes. This combination eliminates the need for separate grilling units, streamlining your outdoor cooking setup. You’ll gain enriched flavor profiles while minimizing logistical complexity, making fuel flexibility a practical consideration for any serious grill master.
Grate Material Quality
The grates you choose fundamentally shape your grilling experience, affecting everything from heat distribution to food quality. You’ll find that porcelain-enameled cast iron grates deliver superior durability and rust resistance, making them your best long-term investment.
High-quality nonstick properties make food release effortless and cleanup quick, enhancing your grilling sessions. Cast iron withstands extreme temperatures for perfect meat searing, while porcelain-coated options warm up rapidly with excellent heat recovery.
Look for crack-resistant features that extend your grill’s lifespan and maintain consistent cooking performance. Properly engineered grates minimize hot and cold spots, ensuring even cooking across every dish you prepare. Your grate selection directly impacts whether you’ll achieve perfectly grilled results every time.
Cleanup and Maintenance
While quality grates guarantee excellent cooking results, they’re only part of the equation—what happens after you finish grilling matters just as much. You’ll want to prioritize grills featuring removable grease trays and slide-out designs that funnel grease directly into designated containers, keeping your cleanup minimal and hassle-free. For charcoal sides, dedicated ash collection systems let you efficiently gather and dispose of ashes without creating a mess.
Look for models where grease trays and ash pans sit conveniently accessible, allowing you quick removal and cleaning. Nonstick, rust-resistant grates considerably reduce scrubbing time after each cooking session. By selecting a grill that emphasizes easy maintenance and efficient grease management, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your grilled meals.
Heat Output Capacity
Understanding BTU (British Thermal Units) ratings is essential when selecting your charcoal grill with side burner, since this measurement directly impacts your cooking speed and searing power. You’ll find models ranging from 20,000 to 37,000 BTUs, each offering different versatility levels.
Higher BTU outputs on the gas side let you achieve consistent temperatures while your charcoal section delivers that smoky flavor you crave. This combination gives you flexibility across diverse cooking styles without compromising quality.
Beyond raw BTU numbers, you should prioritize effective heat distribution. Multiple burners and adjustable charcoal pans greatly enhance your cooking experience by allowing precise temperature control. These features guarantee you’re not just getting heat—you’re getting usable, manageable heat that translates to better results on every meal.
Airflow Management System
Beyond managing your heat output, you’ll want to focus on how air moves through your grill, since airflow directly impacts your cooking precision and safety. Look for models featuring lid-mounted dampers and adjustable vents that let you regulate flame intensity and maintain consistent temperatures across your cooking surface.
A well-designed airflow system minimizes heat loss, enhancing your cooking efficiency while delivering reliable results for different food types. You’ll also appreciate grills with improved air circulation, as they’re less prone to dangerous flare-ups that can char or burn your meal.
Many modern charcoal grills integrate airflow management with grease management features, directing drippings away from flames. This dual functionality considerably reduces flare-up risks, creating a safer cooking environment while you focus on preparing exceptional food.
