What Is a Combination Charcoal and Gas Grill?

Lighting the charcoal probably isn't the most interesting part of learning how to BBQ with charcoal. It takes time, takes a bit of practice, and can be a little dusty or messy. To eliminate the hassle of lighting charcoal, there are now barbecues that are a combination charcoal and gas grill.

It seems that dual gas charcoal grills are becoming more popular... it seems that people are interested in gas grills for their convenience and ease of use, while others like the "char-grilled" taste of food cooked over a charcoal barbecue. So now you can get duo grills, one side containing a gas BBQ and the other side containing a charcoal BBQ.

We've used both gas and charcoal barbecues... but I don't know, it seems kind of like it'd be better to buy one great charcoal grill (like the (Weber Charcoal Grill), and a separate gas barbecue. That way they each do the job they were intended to do, rather than trying to combine the two. And if one side of a duo grill malfunctions, or rusts, or breaks, or whatever, then you won't get stuck with a massive monstrosity of a barbecue where only one side still functions.

But if you still want both gas and charcoal grills... then maybe there's another solution.

Now there are dual gas charcoal grills (like the Weber 1421001 Performer Charcoal Grill, Black) that give the convenience of gas grilling while still giving you the taste of charcoal grilling. A propane tank is connected to the BBQ, along with a burner unit. Place the charcoal in the barbecue. A simple push of a button is all it takes to light up the charcoal. You don't have to mess around starting the charcoal, but you still get the great taste of charcoal grilling.

This is a good option for those looking for a combination charcoal and gas grill. Yes, with a gas grill you can more easily control the temperature and for longer times... but this is a good compromise. If you're looking for something that's great for grilling as well as smoking... we recommend the Big Green Egg.