For backyard cooks who crave versatility, dual fuel grills that pair gas and charcoal with a built-in smoker offer the best of both worlds: quick, precise gas grilling and rich, smoky charcoal flavors. This guide highlights five top dual grill and smoker combos that balance performance, space, and convenience. Each option blends different fuel formats, cooling features, and access to smoke or sear zones, helping you tailor a setup to your outdoor kitchen. Read on to compare layouts, cooking areas, and practical considerations before you buy.
| Product | Brand |
|---|---|
| Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker | Grills House |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill | Oklahoma Joe’s |
| Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU | Char-Griller |
| Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Grill & Smoker | Char-Griller |
| Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill & Charcoal Grill Combo | Captiva Designs |
Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
The Grills House model combines a dual-fuel setup with an offset smoker and a side burner, delivering a total cooking area of 1020 square inches. Its primary gas and charcoal zones offer 333 square inches each, with an additional 157 square inches for warming and 197 square inches for the offset smoker. The offset smoker adds a traditional charcoal flavor and improves heat and smoke circulation. A dedicated side door simplifies charcoal management and ash removal. This unit is designed for those who want a single backyard setup capable of quick weeknight grilling and more time-intensive smoking projects.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal and Gas Smoker & Grill
This setup features a horizontal cooking chamber with a side firebox for smoking, paired with a gas-powered 36,000 BTU grill. The 750-square-inch primary grates accommodate larger batches, while the 281-square-inch firebox grate offers a dedicated space for smoking wings, burgers, or ribs. Three tool hooks help organize equipment. The design prioritizes low-and-slow smoking with indirect heat, making it ideal for cooks who want to combine charcoal flavor with reliable propane grilling in one unit.
Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU
This Char-Griller model provides a classic dual-fuel approach with two stainless steel main burners and a separate charcoal-enabled zone, delivering a total 870 square inches of cooking space. The dual burners give precise temperature zoning for searing on the gas side while slow-smoking on the charcoal side. The flexibility to switch between fuels within a single session makes it suitable for cooks who want variation without moving between separate units.
Char-Griller Texas Trio 3-Burner Grill & Smoker
The Texas Trio pairs a 1390-square-inch cooking area with three main stainless steel burners and an additional side burner, plus a Side Firebox for offset smoking. This configuration delivers substantial capacity for large gatherings and event-style outdoor cooking. The Side Firebox enables Texas-style smoking methods and provides flexibility to manage heat across zones efficiently.
Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill & Charcoal Grill Combo
The Captiva Designs unit offers independent control over gas and charcoal grilling with a combined 690 square inches of cooking space. A 61-inch long cooking counter enhances prep capacity, while porcelain-enamelled cast iron grates improve heat distribution and durability. Separate fuel zones let you sear, bake, or slow-smoke as needed for a diverse outdoor menu, and the design emphasizes user-friendly operation for backyard parties and casual gatherings.
Buying Guide
- Fuel flexibility: Decide whether you prioritize true charcoal flavor, gas convenience, or both. Dual-fuel setups vary in how independently the zones operate; some integrate a dedicated charcoal chamber, others add a separate smoker or firebox.
- Cooking space: Look at total square inches and zoning. Larger families or entertaining groups benefit from models with 1000+ sq in total, including separate warming and smoker areas to avoid crowding during peak cooking times.
- Grill configuration: Consider layout preferences—horizontal smokers with side fireboxes, offset smokers, or built-in side burners. A well-thought layout improves heat management and workflow during meal prep.
- Durability and materials: Stainless steel components resist corrosion, and porcelain-enameled grates promote even heat and longevity. Check for solid casters or wheels for mobility if you plan frequent outdoor rearrangements.
- Maintenance: Ash management, ash removal accessibility, and grease management influence long-term upkeep. Some models include side doors or ash pans to simplify cleanup after charcoal grilling.
- Size and footprint: Ensure the unit fits your outdoor space. Consider whether you need a compact combo for a deck or a larger, event-ready unit for a backyard patio.
- Fuel availability and safety: Propane setups require tanks and proper storage, while charcoal requires a reliable source of charcoal and airflow management. Check manufacturer guidance on safe operation and cleaning intervals.
- Accessory ecosystem: Look for compatibility with drip pans, smoker boxes, optional side burners, and compatible covers. A broad accessory ecosystem can enhance versatility over time.
- Warranty and service: Dual-fuel grills can involve more moving parts; confirm warranty coverage on burners, grates, and the smoker components. Availability of replacement parts matters for longevity.
- Budget vs. features: Higher-capacity, multi-zone designs often come at a premium. Balance features with how you actually cook to avoid overprovisioning for your typical routines.