With the myriad of grills to choose from in the market today, it can be pretty hard to make up your mind on which one to bring home. Charcoal grills are cheaper and produce the smoky flavor we all look for when eating grilled meat. However, these grills takes a while to heat up and requires some skill to use. Gas grills, on the other hand, are quick to start and easy to clean but lack the “authentic” flavor of a good barbecue. Is it possible to get the best of both worlds without having to buy two different grills? Well, some think so. This is where hybrid grills come in.
So, what is a hybrid grill? Generally, hybrid grills (also named as combo grills) are those that have more than one fuel option like adding a charcoal option in a gas grill. There is one other type of hybrid grill on the market that you might come across – the hybrid infrared gas grill. There’s only one fuel option with this type of grill – gas. In this particular type of grill, the hybrid is because of the burners present. With this hybrid, you get the traditional convection burners on one side and an infrared burner on the other, allowing you to cook foods at lower temperatures when needed as well as sear steaks at high temperature. There are also gas smoker combo grills, but now that we got to know what a hybrid grill is, the next question is “can they really do it all?”
Top Hybrid Grills of 2020
PLAN - PRICE
Description
WINNER !!! - 9.1 points
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Hybrid Grill
2nd Place - 9.0 pts
Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker
3rd Place- 8.4 pts
Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Combo Grill
Why Hybrid? - Things to Know Before Buying
Pros (Gas/Charcoal Hybrid Grill)
- If you’re in a hurry, you can get your grill going hot within a few minutes with just a push of a button.
- If you’ve got the time to spare and want that smoky flavor, you can opt to use charcoal as your fuel instead.
- Depending on the model and brand, you can use both types of fuel at the same time.
- Also depending on the model and brand, these can be an inexpensive alternative to those who don’t have the space for two grills but can’t make up their mind on which type of grill they’d like.
Cons (Gas/Charcoal Hybrid Grill)
- Aside from the Rolls Royce of hybrid grills (you’ll know it if you Google it), the ones in the market today made compromises in order to provide both fuel options. Some hybrid grills have a special charcoal tray that you place within the firebox, right above the gas burners, so you can only use a single layer of charcoal at a time. You’ll need to keep replenishing your fuel to keep the temperature up. And since there is a lack of vents to control the air flow in your grill (like those found in charcoal-only grills), it’s quite difficult to control the heat. Of course, there are hybrid grills that offer a grill that has one side for charcoal and one side for gas. This design does have vents for the charcoal side so controlling the heat is easier and some models allows you to adjust the height of the tray. However, this design gives you smaller real estate for grilling using only one type of fuel.
- Like in most things in life, you get what you pay for. Since many of these grills are inexpensive, you do compromise on the quality of the material used.
While there are certainly some benefits to owning a hybrid gas/charcoal grill, the pros don’t really outweigh the cons especially when you look at what’s being sold in the market today. In fact, the only one that has consistently gotten rave reviews is as expensive as a car. You might be better off buying two types of grills rather than just going for one.
What about the hybrid infrared gas grill?
Is this a better choice? Let’s see.
Pros (Hybrid Infrared Gas Grill):
- This has all of the benefits of an infrared gas grill: heats up fast, efficient use of energy and time, evenly distributed heat, cooks in any weather, self-cleaning, produces that smoky flavor you get from charcoal, and retains more moisture in the meat.
- More versatile than an infrared grill because it allows you to cook food that requires lower temperatures (fish, vegetables).
- No need to worry about burning your food while cooking because you can opt to use the infrared burner for searing purposes only.
Cons (Hybrid Infrared Gas Grill):
- Really expensive compared to traditional gas grills. This type of grill could cost you well over a thousand.
- Complicated components will require extra care (and also cost a lot to repair or replace) despite being a self-cleaning grill.
This type of hybrid grill definitely has a lot of things going for it. A lot of the drawbacks you get from using an infrared grill is dealt with – mainly burning food and no low temperature cooking. And while it may cost you a pretty penny, it definitely gets the job done in more ways than one.
But back to our question, can hybrid grills really do it all? The answer we would give is “it depends.” If price is no object, you can definitely enjoy the best of both worlds with the Rolls Royce of the hybrid gas/charcoal grills. For those with a limited budget, you might want to steer clear of this type of grill. While a good barbecue grill does require some investment, you don’t always have to break the bank to get it.
Hybrid Grills Reviewed
Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
Looking at it, the Royal Gourmet 3-Burner Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo is quite similar to a lot of other hybrid grills out there. It has two separate grills – one for gas and another for charcoal. The gas grill features 3 stainless steel burners with a total of 27,000 BTU output. The charcoal grill side includes a height-adjustable charcoal pan and air vents for easy temperature control and a firebox that is constructed of organic silicone material. The lid is constructed of double-layer stainless steel for heat retention and heat resistance. The cast iron cooking grates also ensure great heat retention. Both sides of the grill feature side shelves for additional prepping space. The casters allow you to move around the grill, from storage to backyard and back. All good things, right? Well, not all apparently. Some buyers have reported dented parts and paint starting to peel after several uses. While the grill does perform pretty well, churning out food for the masses (if you use both sides), we do question its durability. Overall, this is a good enough grill to get if you don’t plan on using it for more than a year or so.
Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/Gas/Smoker Combo
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
This all-in-one outdoor cooking equipment from Char-Broil just may be the best thing since sliced bread. The Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo, as the name already states, features a gas grill, a charcoal grill, and a smoker. The grill features 750 square inch primary cooking surface in the main chamber while there’s 310 square inches of cooking surface in the firebox chamber. The gas grill uses 3 12,000 BTU burners and there’s even a 12,000 BTU side burner which, we might add, accommodates your charcoal chimney starter. Everything you’ll need for an outdoor cooking adventure in one huge piece. The firebox door has its own access door so you can easily stoke the fire without opening the chamber where the food is. This thing cooks like a dream and truly brings you the best of both worlds. There are just some caveats. The built-in thermometers aren’t accurate (though most of them really aren’t) and the wheels are just plain useless. Also, there may be a shelf for storing your extra charcoal but there aren’t any hooks for your tongs and other grilling accessories.
Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
There are a lot of good things that can be said about the Dyna-Glo DGB730SNB-D Dual Fuel Grill such as the 2 commercial grade stainless steel burners with a total of 24,000 BTUs, the height-adjustable charcoal tray, the electronic pulse ignition system, the 952 square inch cooking surface, and the heavy duty porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates. But those are just ordinary features. The ones we love include steel-enameled heat tents that enable even heat distribution, the double-walled lids for improved heat retention, a removable ash pan, towel bars, a tool hook, and a double-door cabinet for storing the tank and the accessories. Plus, the side shelves provide you with extra cooking surface. These are foldable which allows for more compact storage in case you need to. The one thing that we really don’t like is the lack of access door to the charcoal tray. You’ll need to lift up one of the grates which is inconvenient, to say the least. That being said, being able to cook over gas or charcoal whenever you feel like it makes this hybrid grill from Dyna-Glo well worth the price.
Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hydrid Grill
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
It’s time to buy a new grill and you’re faced with the age-old dilemma – gas or charcoal? If you’re lucky enough along with the cash to spare, you can buy one of each. But if your wife says no, there’s the next best thing – a hybrid grill. And Char-Broil’s Gas2Coal 3-Burner Liquid Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill is a good choice. This two-in-one grill lets you have the best of both worlds without the need for any tools. You simply have to remove the grates, place the charcoal tray (stored away just below the red Gas2Coal logo) of on top of the burners, line up your coal, put back the grates, and light ’em all up. So, what does this grill have? Aside from the charcoal tray, this baby comes with 3 stainless steel main burners with a total heat output of 40,000 BTU’s and one 12,000-BTU side burner. It has porcelain-coated cast iron grates that provide 420 square inches of cooking space. There’s a large painted metal side shelf where you can place your tools, spices, or do a bit of prep work. And to make sure that you’re covered, Char-Broil offers a 5-year comprehensive warranty on all the burners.
Revoace Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
A hybrid grill, as we all well know, is supposed to give you the best of both worlds – a charcoal and gas grill in one. And the Revoace Dual Fuel Combination Charcoal/Gas Grill delivers just that. If you want to quickly put together a grilled meal, this baby comes with 3 stainless steel tube burners that have a total output of 24,000 BTUs as well as a stainless steel 12,000 BTU side burner that you can use to cook sauces or side dishes. All burners come with integrated ignition and rubber grip control knobs. The gas grill has 295 square inches of primary cooking space and 99 square inches of warming rack space. The charcoal grill, on the other hand, features a height-adjustable charcoal tray with a front access door to help you add more charcoal. It also comes with a removable ash tray for easy cleanup. It also has 262 square inches of primary cooking space and 89 square inches of warming rack space. Both grills feature cast iron cooking grids and chrome-plated warming racks. The only thing we had a problem with was how long it took for us to get it assembled then up and running.
Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Gas/Charcoal Smoker
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
Hybrid grills usually have the same features – two separate areas designated for charcoal grilling and gas grilling. But the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Gas/Charcoal Smoker, as the name already tells you, also comes with a smoker. This enables you to also smoke meat or do a bit of indirect cooking. The gas and charcoal grill portions have a total grill cooking area of 1,327 square inches. The electric smoker, on the other hand, has 840 square inches of cooking space. There are 3 stainless steel burners with a total of 36,000 BTUs while the charcoal portion comes with an adjustable charcoal grate and air dampers, enabling you to easily control the cooking temperature of your food. Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are perfect for heat retention and searing those lovely juices into the meat. What we absolutely love about this grill is that it is built like a tank and cooks food beautifully. Just be patient when assembling it because it’ll take you several hours and a lot of patience.
Fire Magic Aurora A830s 46-Inch Propane Gas And Charcoal Grill
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -0
This hybrid grill from Fire Magic offers much more than just a charcoal and gas grill combo. It also features a smoker and rotisserie which ups the versatility of the grill, enabling you to cook a wide variety of foods. This stainless steel grill features a total of 828 square inches of cooking space with flavor grids which ensure even heat distribution. Within the charcoal unit, you’ll find a charcoal pan that has an adjustable height for better temp control. There’s even a dedicated 26,000 BTU gas tube burner for igniting your charcoal. However, we don’t really like that the cooking grates are made of heavy gauge stainless steel. Yes, it doesn’t rust and is easier to maintain but they don’t get as hot as cast iron grates. In addition, they tend to appear dirty after a couple of uses.
Smoke Hollow 8500 LP Gas/Charcoal Grill with Firebox
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
Want a hybrid grill that requires no converting? Well, Smoke Hollow has one that’s right up your alley. The 8500 LP Gas/Charcoal Grill is actually two grills attached together. The gas grill part features three stainless steel 10,000 BTU burners plus a 12,000 BTU sear burner. The charcoal grill comes with an adjustable charcoal tray as well as a side offset firebox with side vent. All cooking grates are porcelain-coated cast iron. Both grills come with a slide out grease pan for easy clean up. In addition, each lid features a built-in temperature gauge. And the whole ensemble comes in a cart design with a bottom shelf for extra storage.
So, how does it fare in terms of build and performance? One thing you should note is that this thing is heavy and takes awhile to assemble – about two to three hours. Another thing we noticed is that there may be a bit of a problem with air flow. It can retain heat for basic charcoal grilling but the smoker may give you a hard time keeping the temperature consistent. Then again, no hybrid grill can really do everything well. Overall, this gives you a lot of versatility in your grilling at a decent price.
Gas & Charcoal Hybrid Grill BBQ Cooking Cast Iron Stainless Steel Party Heavy Duty
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -4
This gas and charcoal grill combo from MM features a gas grill and a charcoal grill that can be used at the same time, each with its own lid, own temperature gauge, and what-nots so you’re able to use both types of fuel at the same time. What else does this grill have? Well, all cooking grates are made out of porcelain-coated cast iron. Each grill’s cooking surface offers 360 square inches of cooking space, big enough room to accommodate around 11 4-inch burgers. The charcoal grill comes with a front access door to the charcoal, an adjustable charcoal tray that allows you to raise or lower the tray for more precise heat control. And it also features a smoke stack for temperature control. The gas grill features three stainless steel burners with a total maximum output of 30,000 BTUs and an infrared side burner with 12,000 BTUs for searing your meat. Both carts are fused together in a cart design that features two wheels on the side of the gas grill and a handle on the side of the charcoal grill for lifting the entire grill and pulling it wherever you need it to go. As far as hybrid grills go, this one from MM is pretty decent, giving you a lot of flexibility and versatility.
Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas/Charcoal Grill
Total Reviews -0
Review Score -5
If you can’t decide on whether to go with a charcoal grill or a gas grill, then you might want to check out Char-Griller’s DUO – a combination of a gas grill and a charcoal grill in one.
So, what can this dual fuel grill do? Well, the gas grill works perfectly. The steel body is heavy and solid so the heat is retained well. The burners heat up fast and can reach pretty high temperatures. The grill can also keep the temperature steady as long as you need it (which won’t be long since it also cooks things pretty fast). It’s pretty easy to control temperature because of the independent temp controls for each burner. Each grill has a large cooking capacity so even if you use only the gas grill, you’ll still get a decent amount of food for a small party.
What about the charcoal side? Well, there are good things. The charcoal rack can be raised and lowered to provide better temperature control while cooking. If you buy the optional firebox, you’ll be able to use the charcoal grill as a smoker as well, adding to the grill’s versatility. Unfortunately, the grill is a DIY project for owners. The thick metal and the cast iron cooking grates hold the heat well. However, some customers have found that the lid doesn’t seal the cooking chamber slightly, so heat and smoke escapes. They needed to add some modifications before the charcoal worked perfectly.
Aside from the slightly shoddy construction on the charcoal grill, other complaints have been about the entire grill’s propensity to rust. Some have found that an extra bit of TLC can help prevent rust from happening. Some state that their extra TLC prevented nothing. The statements are contradictory and hard to prove which ones are true. There are a lot of factors that could have helped produce rust in metal – weather, heat, etc. For future buyers, you’ll either risk the chance of rust or not.
Looking at the DUO, you get a real steal with this gas and charcoal combo especially at the price they’re selling it. And a lot of people have been wowed by the results of using the charcoal grill with the optional offset firebox. You have the convenience of a gas grill for cooking meals after a long day at work and the thrill of a charcoal grill for those lazy Saturday afternoons with the family. However, because of the price, you shouldn’t be surprised that the quality of the materials used isn’t like that of a Weber. You might find yourself down one grill in the span of a year. Fortunately, you’ll still have one left to cook with. And for a deal like this, you just may find that the risks are all worth it.