Deciding between gas and charcoal usually means choosing speed or flavor. Hybrid designs solve that trade-off by putting both fuel types on one frame, so weeknight burgers and slow weekend cooks share the same cooking surface. The seven options below cover a range of footprints, from apartment-friendly two-burner units to full backyard cabinets. Each one handles the basics differently, so matching the right grill to your space, fuel preference, and cooking style makes the difference between a tool you’ll actually use and one that gathers rust.
The Main Contenders
Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo
Labolata Propane Gas Grill Griddle Combo with Side Burner
4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, Cast Iron Grates
Charbroil Pro Series Amplifire 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill
4-Burner Propane BBQ Gas Grill with Side Burner, Black
Gas Charcoal Combo Grill, Dual Fuel BBQ with Cast Iron Grates & Plate
Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Gas and Charcoal Combo
Why These Options Stand Out
For a patio where square footage matters, this Labolata unit keeps the dual-fuel promise on a tight footprint. Two propane burners sit on one side while a charcoal chamber takes the other, and a small side burner handles sauces or a pot of beans. A cast-iron grate spans the gas side, so the sear marks feel familiar to anyone moving up from a basic propane grill.
The build suits first-time combo owners because nothing demands babysitting beyond a normal charcoal fire. Owners typically use the propane side on busy weeknights and reserve the charcoal chamber for weekend ribs or skewers. Compared to the larger Labolata 4-Burner models coming later in this list, the cooking area here is more modest, but that fits apartment balconies and small backyards where a full cabinet would crowd the space.
The Value In It
- Genuine dual-fuel layout in a compact frame, ideal for tight patios.
- Side burner adds a third cooking zone for sides or boiling corn.
- Cast-iron grate on the gas side retains heat well for searing.
- Straightforward ignition and controls, friendly to newer grillers.
Things To Consider
- The charcoal chamber holds less fuel than larger combos, so long overnight cooks need refueling.
- Compact cabinet means storage hooks and side shelves are limited.
Made For
First-time hybrid owners in apartments or on small patios who want both fuel types without a bulky cabinet.
Look Elsewhere When
Cooks hosting large parties should step up to the La Bolata 4-Burner Gas Grill with Side Burner, which offers more surface area for multiple grates of food.
This Labolata model trades the charcoal chamber for a flat stainless griddle plate, which changes the cooking style without giving up the gas-versus-other-surface promise. The griddle side runs about 3mm thick, so heat spreads evenly for pancakes and smashburgers rather than pooling under a single patty. The opposite side holds a cast-iron grill grate for steaks and chops with proper sear lines.
Four straight-tube stainless burners sit underneath, pushing a strong total output measured at 49,000 BTU. That’s plenty of fire for both surfaces running at once, which matters on Sunday brunch when eggs and bacon share the griddle while sausages sear on the grate. If the appeal of dual-fuel combos is variety, this grill leans into variety through surface type rather than fuel type.
Benefits That Matter
- Two distinct cooking surfaces (grate and griddle) widen menu options.
- Strong 49,000 BTU output supports both zones at full heat.
- Stainless burners resist corrosion in humid coastal climates.
- Side burner handles pots and sauces without losing grate space.
Trade Offs
- No charcoal option means you miss the smoky flavor profile.
- The griddle plate requires seasoning and careful cleaning to prevent rust spots.
Right Fit For
Cooks who want breakfast flexibility and steakhouse sears from a single propane unit.
Swap It Out When
Anyone craving charcoal smoke should pick the Gas Charcoal Combo Grill, Dual Fuel BBQ with Cast Iron Grates and Plate instead, since it pairs a charcoal chamber with similar cast-iron cooking.
When the goal is feeding a family without splitting your attention between fuels, this all-gas four-burner delivers consistency across one large cooking surface. Cast-iron grates hold heat long enough to sear chicken thighs while vegetables cook on a cooler corner, and the side burner gives a fifth zone for rice or corn on the cob. Quick ignition means dinner can start within minutes of walking outside, which suits school-night schedules.
This is the all-gas sibling to the Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo that opened this list, and it trades the charcoal chamber for sheer burner count. Owners commonly use the four-burner layout to keep cooked food warm on one side while a fresh round hits the hot side. The trade-off is losing charcoal flavor entirely, but many households find the simplicity worth it.
The Good Stuff
- Four main burners create clear hot and cool zones on the grates.
- Cast-iron grates sear well and last for years with basic care.
- Side burner adds real flexibility for side dishes.
- Ignites quickly, which helps on rushed weeknights.
Points To Note
- No charcoal option, so smoky flavor lovers will want a different pick.
- Larger footprint requires meaningful patio space.
Key Attributes
Who It Suits Best
Family households cooking three or four meals a week who want predictable heat and easy cleanup.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Grillers wanting charcoal smoke should consider the Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner combo, which puts gas and charcoal on a smaller frame.
The Charbroil Pro Series aims at the cook who wants restaurant-style searing at home. Its Amplifire infrared technology uses a radiant plate between burner and grate to concentrate heat, producing visible grill marks without flare-ups that scorch the food. The cabinet design adds enclosed storage beneath, so a propane tank, brushes, and covers stay out of sight.
The 3-in-1 claim is real: included griddle inserts and charcoal trays let you switch the main cooking surface between infrared grill, flat-top griddle, and charcoal cooking. That flexibility pairs naturally with the four-burner propane base and a side burner for pots. Compared to the Labolata 4-Burner models earlier, this Charbroil adds infrared performance and a full cabinet, so it’s geared at owners willing to trade simplicity for capability.
Useful Highlights
- Infrared searing cuts down flare-ups on fatty cuts.
- Griddle insert and charcoal trays included for three cooking styles.
- Cabinet design hides the propane tank and accessories.
- Side burner supports sauces and side dishes without losing grate space.
Honest Caveats
- Larger footprint demands a dedicated patio or deck spot.
- Infrared plates need gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the emitter surface.
- Charcoal mode adds ash cleanup on top of regular grill maintenance.
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
Home cooks who entertain often and want one cabinet unit that handles searing, griddle work, and occasional charcoal cooks.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Patio owners with limited space will find the smaller Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo easier to live with day to day.
Where the Labolata 4-Burner Propane BBQ leans into versatility is the reversible cast-iron griddle plate that swaps onto either side of the main grate. That means one cook can run burgers on the open grate while someone else handles pancakes or veggies on the flat side, all without buying an extra accessory. The stainless steel warming rack above keeps finished food from cooling while the rest finishes.
The black finish reads clean and resists fingerprints during regular hosting nights, and the four main burners plus side burner give plenty of room to run a full meal simultaneously. Versus the Charbroil Pro Series reviewed just before, this model skips the infrared system, so flare-ups need more attention on fattier cuts. For most households cooking for four to six people, that tradeoff feels reasonable.
Key Advantages
- Reversible cast-iron griddle adds genuine menu flexibility.
- Warming rack keeps cooked food at serving temperature.
- Ample main cooking space for family-scale meals.
- Side burner adds cooking capacity for sauces and sides.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Propane-only, so no charcoal flavor profile.
- Cast-iron griddle needs regular seasoning to stay nonstick.
At A Glance
Best Suited To
Hosts juggling varied menus (think brunch and dinner) who want griddle and grate options without managing charcoal.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Smokers wanting charcoal flavor should consider the Gas Charcoal Combo Grill, Dual Fuel BBQ with Cast Iron Grates and Plate, which adds a charcoal chamber.
This dual-fuel grill commits to the full gas-and-charcoal promise without cutting the gas side short. Three propane burners run along one half of the cooking surface, while a charcoal chamber takes the other, so quick weeknight burgers and slow weekend smokes share one frame. The porcelain-enameled cast iron grates clean up more easily than bare cast iron, which matters after messy cooks.
Compared to the Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo at the top of this list, this version adds a third burner and a larger charcoal chamber for longer cooks. The side burner handles a pot of beans or corn while the main surfaces keep producing. Owners commonly report using the charcoal side for ribs or brisket and reserving the gas side for vegetables and quick proteins.
Points In Its Favor
- Three propane burners give genuine cooking flexibility on the gas side.
- Charcoal chamber supports longer, smoky weekend cooks.
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates resist sticking and rust.
- Side burner adds pot-friendly capacity.
Soft Spots
- Larger overall footprint than the two-burner Labolata combos.
- Charcoal chamber adds ash cleanup that pure gas owners skip.
Feature Rundown
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Enthusiasts who want both fuels active at once and don’t mind a larger frame in the backyard.
Not Your Match When
People cooking only weekday dinners are likely better served by the simpler Labolata 4-Burner Propane BBQ Gas Grill with Side Burner, which skips charcoal maintenance.
Char-Griller’s E5030 has earned a loyal following because the charcoal side doubles as a side-fire smoker, not just a grill chamber. With the damper open, you run ribs and brisket low and slow over charcoal, then close it up for grilling. The 870-square-inch cooking surface handles a full pack of ribs or several chickens without crowding.
The propane side runs on two burners totaling 24,000 BTU, enough for everyday burgers and chicken without lag. Compared to the heavier Gas Charcoal Combo Grill covered just above, this Char-Griller has fewer propane burners but adds genuine smoking capability, which matters for cooks who want ribs and pulled pork. The honest read: this is the best pick in this list for slow-and-low cooks who still want gas for weeknights.
A Strong Showing
- Charcoal chamber doubles as a side-fire smoker for low-and-slow cooks.
- Generous 870-square-inch surface fits large cuts.
- Two propane burners handle everyday grilling cleanly.
- Side drawer simplifies ash cleanup between sessions.
Practical Considerations
- Fewer propane burners than the four-burner options above.
- Cast iron components need routine care to prevent rust over time.
Details At A Glance
Built With In Mind
Slow-cook pitmasters who want both weeknight gas and weekend ribs from a single grill.
Consider Something Else When
Patio dwellers with very small footprints should consider the Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo instead, since it offers dual fuel in a tighter frame.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Charcoal And Gas Grill Combinations
Fuel Balance For Your Cooking Style
Start with how often you’ll actually use each fuel. Households that grill two or three times a week usually lean toward gas for speed and reach for charcoal on weekends, which makes a 2-burner propane side plus a modest charcoal chamber like the Labolata combo a sensible match. Grillers smoking ribs or brisket every weekend want a real charcoal chamber with damper control, which points toward the Char-Griller E5030 or the heavier dual-fuel units with porcelain-enameled grates.
Cooking Surface And Surface Materials
The cooking grate material quietly shapes every meal. Cast iron holds heat longer and produces stronger sear marks, but it needs regular oiling and rust prevention. Porcelain-enameled cast iron cleans more easily because food sticks less. Reversible griddle plates add breakfast flexibility, while infrared emitters reduce flare-ups on fatty cuts. Match the surface to the food you cook most, not the surface that sounds most impressive.
Footprint, Storage, And Patio Real Estate
Measure the space where the grill will live, then add at least a foot of clearance on every side for safe lid movement. Cabinet models like the Charbroil Pro Series conceal the propane tank and tools, which suits permanent installations. Open-frame combos work for renters and anyone who moves the grill seasonally. Side shelves and warming racks matter when the host runs sauces and sides alongside the main course.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Common Shopping Slip Ups
A frequent mistake is choosing the largest cabinet without measuring the patio first, then discovering the lid won’t open fully against a wall. Another is ignoring grate material: bare cast iron demands more care than most casual owners expect, so rust shows up within a season when maintenance slips. Finally, shoppers often skip checking if the propane tank fits the designated cabinet space, especially on bigger units that assume a standard 20-pound tank.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier combo grills earn their cost through three things: better heat control on the charcoal side, infrared or porcelain-enameled surfaces that last longer, and cabinet storage that keeps the patio tidy. The Charbroil Pro Series sits at the top of this list because infrared searing and the included charcoal trays cover more cooking styles without buying extras. For someone grilling weekly across varied menus, that capability pays back over years. For someone grilling only a few times a season, a simpler two-burner combo delivers the same satisfaction at a lower entry cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dual-fuel grills really smoke like a charcoal-only model?
They get close when the charcoal chamber has proper airflow control. The Char-Griller E5030 doubles as a side-fire smoker, which gets genuinely close to dedicated offset smokers. Smaller charcoal chambers on compact combos work for direct-heat grilling but won’t hold steady at low smoking temperatures for hours.
How hard is charcoal cleanup on a combo grill?
Expect ash removal after every charcoal cook and a deeper grate scrub monthly. Models with side drawers (like the Char-Griller E5030) make this faster. Ash left in the chamber overnight attracts moisture and rusts the metal, so prompt cleanup matters.
Can I use a combo grill on a small patio or balcony?
Yes, as long as the footprint fits and the grill sits away from walls. The Labolata 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo is the most patio-friendly unit in this list because it keeps dual fuel on a tight frame. Always check local fire codes for balcony grills.
How long do cast iron grates typically last?
With basic care (oil after cleaning, cover the grill, avoid soaking), cast iron grates last many years. Porcelain-enameled versions resist rust longer but can chip if hit with heavy tools. Either type outlasts the burners underneath if you avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Bottom Line
The right hybrid grill depends on how you actually cook. Tight patios favor the compact Labolata 2-Burner combo. Weekend smokers should weigh the Char-Griller E5030 seriously. Entertainers running varied menus get the most from the Charbroil Pro Series or the Labolata 4-Burner Propane BBQ Gas Grill with Side Burner. Pick the one that matches the meals you cook most, and the dual-fuel design pays you back every time the door opens.