Studies show that 65% of grill owners wish they’d invested in a combo model. You’re probably wondering why these dual-fuel grills have become so popular. The answer lies in their flexibility—they let you switch between charcoal’s rich flavor and gas’s convenience. But not all combo grills deliver equally. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one.
Quick Overview
- Combo grills blend charcoal and gas cooking methods, offering versatile heat sources for diverse grilling preferences and techniques.
- Large cooking surfaces exceeding 600 square inches accommodate substantial quantities for family gatherings and entertaining multiple guests simultaneously.
- Adjustable temperature control with dual ventilation systems and thermometers enable precise heat management across different cooking zones.
- Durable porcelain-enameled construction and rust-resistant materials ensure long-term performance with minimal maintenance and extended warranty coverage.
- Removable charcoal pans, tool hooks, and organizational features streamline cleanup and provide convenient storage for grilling accessories.
| Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black |
| Best Overall | Cooking Capacity: Up to 13 burgers | Heat Control: Rust-resistant aluminum damper for airflow regulation | Cooking Grate Material: Durable-plated steel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 18-Inch Black |
| Compact Classic | Cooking Capacity: Up to 13 burgers | Heat Control: Rust-resistant damper for temperature control | Cooking Grate Material: Premium durable-plated steel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill |
| Large Capacity Champion | Cooking Capacity: 627 sq. in. cooking area | Heat Control: Adjustable smoke stack and side air vent | Cooking Grate Material: Porcelain-enameled steel wire with chrome-plated warming rack | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Gas One 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Barbecue Grill |
| Portable Pick | Cooking Capacity: 150 sq. in. cooking surface | Heat Control: Dual ventilation system for airflow | Cooking Grate Material: Not specified | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black
If you’re a backyard entertainer who values reliability and performance, the Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch Black delivers the durability you need. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl resist rust and peeling while maintaining excellent heat retention. You’ll appreciate the durable plated-steel cooking grate that handles up to thirteen burgers effortlessly. The One-Touch cleaning system with aluminized steel ash catcher streamlines maintenance, while the rust-resistant aluminum damper lets you regulate airflow precisely. All-weather wheels enable easy repositioning around your patio, and tool hooks keep your grilling accessories organized. With a stellar 4.8-star rating from over ten thousand reviews and a ten-year limited warranty, this bestselling grill proves itself an exceptional investment.
- Cooking Capacity:Up to 13 burgers
- Heat Control:Rust-resistant aluminum damper for airflow regulation
- Cooking Grate Material:Durable-plated steel
- Ash Removal System:One-Touch cleaning system with aluminized steel ash catcher
- Portability:All-weather wheels
- Handle Design:Glass-reinforced nylon handles
- Additional Feature:10-year limited warranty
- Additional Feature:Angled lid hook storage
- Additional Feature:Rust-resistant aluminum damper
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 18-Inch Black
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 18-Inch Black is an excellent choice for grilling enthusiasts who want a compact, durable cooker that doesn’t compromise on capacity or performance. You’ll appreciate the premium steel cooking grate and porcelain-enameled lid that withstand high temperatures while retaining heat effectively. The One-Touch cleaning system with aluminized steel ash catcher makes maintenance effortless, protecting against corrosion. Heat-resistant nylon handles and a lid hook facilitate safe operation, while all-weather wheels provide convenient mobility. Despite its smaller footprint, you can cook up to thirteen burgers simultaneously, making it perfect for regular grilling demands.
- Cooking Capacity:Up to 13 burgers
- Heat Control:Rust-resistant damper for temperature control
- Cooking Grate Material:Premium durable-plated steel
- Ash Removal System:One-Touch cleaning system with aluminized steel ash catcher
- Portability:All-weather wheels
- Handle Design:Glass-reinforced nylon handles with heat shield on lid
- Additional Feature:Heat shield on handle
- Additional Feature:Optimal flavor retention design
- Additional Feature:Resilient engineered surfaces
Royal Gourmet CC1830 30 Inch Barrel Charcoal Grill
For anyone hosting large backyard gatherings, you’ll appreciate what the Royal Gourmet CC1830 brings to the table: a generous 627 square inch cooking surface that accommodates substantial cuts of meat alongside multiple side dishes simultaneously. You’ll control temperature precisely through the adjustable smoke stack and side air vent, enabling you to sear steaks or slow-cook burgers with confidence. The lid-mounted thermometer gauge lets you monitor heat in real-time, while the two-level height-adjustable fire pan adapts to your cooking style. You’ll find cleanup effortless thanks to the removable charcoal pan, and you’ll appreciate the convenient wheels for repositioning around your yard.
- Cooking Capacity:627 sq. in. cooking area
- Heat Control:Adjustable smoke stack and side air vent
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled steel wire with chrome-plated warming rack
- Ash Removal System:Removable charcoal pan
- Portability:Two durable wheels
- Handle Design:Lid hook for safe lid placement
- Additional Feature:Lid-mounted thermometer gauge
- Additional Feature:2-level adjustable fire pan
- Additional Feature:Mesh shelf holds accessories
Gas One 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Barbecue Grill
Backyard entertainers who value portability without sacrificing cooking capacity will appreciate the Gas One 14-Inch Portable Charcoal Barbecue Grill. Its 150-square-inch cooking surface gives you ample room for steaks and vegetables. The compact design guarantees even heat distribution for uniform cooking results.
You’ll benefit from the 3-point locking lid, which retains heat effectively while simplifying safe transportation. The dual ventilation system maintains ideal cooking temperatures through constant airflow. An ash catcher minimizes cleanup by capturing dirt and residues around your grill.
Lightweight and portable, this grill suits backyard gatherings, patios, camping trips, and various outdoor activities perfectly.
- Cooking Capacity:150 sq. in. cooking surface
- Heat Control:Dual ventilation system for airflow
- Cooking Grate Material:Not specified
- Ash Removal System:Special ash catcher
- Portability:Lightweight and easy to carry with 3-point locking lid
- Handle Design:3-point locking lid for safe transportation
- Additional Feature:3-point locking lid design
- Additional Feature:Dual ventilation system
- Additional Feature:Extremely lightweight/portable construction
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charcoal Gas Grill Combination
When you’re shopping for a charcoal-gas combo grill, you’ll want to evaluate several critical factors that’ll impact your grilling experience. You should examine your cooking capacity needs, temperature control capabilities, construction quality, how easily you can move the grill, and what maintenance demands it’ll require. Each of these elements plays an essential role in determining whether a combo grill will truly meet your expectations and serve you well for years to come.
Cooking Capacity and Space
One of the most critical decisions you’ll make when selecting a charcoal-gas combo grill is determining the right cooking area for your needs. A larger cooking surface—like 627 square inches—lets you handle family gatherings and entertaining without cramping food together. You’ll want porcelain-enameled steel grates that retain heat evenly and withstand regular use. Consider how many burgers or steaks you’ll cook simultaneously; models accommodating 13 burgers reduce cooking time considerably for bigger groups. Look for adjustable components, particularly a height-adjustable fire pan, which gives you versatile cooking options and superior heat control. Don’t overlook warming racks either—these additional surfaces keep prepared dishes warm without overcooking them, maximizing your overall grilling efficiency.
Temperature Control Systems
Because precision cooking requires consistent heat management, you’ll want to prioritize a grill with a robust temperature control system. Look for adjustable vents or dampers that regulate airflow directly, allowing you to control heat levels with precision. A lid-mounted thermometer gauge enables real-time temperature monitoring, essential for achieving desired doneness whether you’re searing steaks or slow-cooking larger cuts.
Consider models featuring side air vents and adjustable smoke stacks, which let you customize heat management and shift seamlessly between cooking methods. Two-level adjustable fire pans offer versatility, accommodating both high-temperature quick cooking and slower techniques. These features work together to maintain consistent heat throughout your cooking session, ensuring reliable results every time you grill.
Durability and Construction
Since you’ll be investing in a combo grill for years of use, the materials and build quality should be your top priorities. Look for porcelain-enameled lids and bowls that resist rust and peeling while withstanding high temperatures and retaining heat effectively. Durable-plated steel cooking grates provide a resilient surface that enhances longevity under frequent use. Glass-reinforced nylon handles offer both durability and heat resistance, ensuring safer handling during cooking sessions. A solid construction with superior heat retention capabilities delivers peak flavor retention and cooking efficiency. These features work together to protect your investment in outdoor settings, maintaining both the grill’s aesthetics and functionality over time. Prioritizing rust-resistant construction guarantees you’ll enjoy reliable performance for years.
Portability and Mobility
When you’re selecting a charcoal-gas combo grill, portability shouldn’t take a backseat to cooking performance. You’ll want to prioritize all-weather wheels that let you move your grill effortlessly across different outdoor terrains, whether you’re heading to the campsite or tailgate party. Lightweight designs make transport manageable without sacrificing cooking capacity. Compact dimensions reduce storage headaches, especially if you’re working with limited space.
A locking lid mechanism proves essential—it secures your grill during movement, maintains heat retention, and prevents spills that could damage your vehicle or patio. Beyond these basics, look for tool hooks and storage compartments that keep your grilling essentials organized and accessible. These features transform your combo grill into a self-contained cooking station, eliminating extra trips for supplies and streamlining your outdoor cooking experience.
Maintenance and Cleaning
While portability gets your grill where it needs to go, what happens after you’ve finished cooking matters just as much. You’ll want a One-Touch cleaning system that simplifies ash removal and extends your grill’s lifespan. Look for aluminized steel ash catchers that handle efficient disposal while reducing mess around your cooking area. Choose models with rust-resistant materials like porcelain-enameled surfaces to maintain durability and appearance over time. Removable charcoal pans make cleanup quick and straightforward, minimizing maintenance time after each use. Additionally, prioritize grills equipped with tool hooks and shelves for storing your grilling accessories. These organizational features keep your cooking space tidy and your tools readily accessible whenever you need them.
Heat Retention Features
Once you’ve mastered maintenance, you’ll want to focus on how well your grill retains heat—a critical factor that directly impacts cooking performance. Look for models featuring porcelain-enameled lids and bowls engineered to withstand high temperatures while maximizing heat retention.
Three-point locking lid designs create superior seals, ensuring uniform cooking across the entire surface. Adjustable smoke stacks give you precise temperature control, allowing you to manage heat throughout your grilling session.
Prioritize grills with well-designed ventilation systems that maintain ideal cooking temperatures and distribute heat consistently. Some advanced models incorporate heat shields and dual ventilation systems that balance airflow preservation with heat efficiency.
These features work together to enhance your cooking experience and deliver superior results every time you grill.
