8 Best Grill Combos of 2026

This budget-savvy powerhouse delivers far more than its price tag suggests, making it a standout among combo grills. With 24,000 BTUs and a massive 870 square inches of total cooking space, it balances raw output with smart design—like its porcelain-coated cast iron grates that retain heat superbly and resist rust. The adjustable grate height is a game-changer, allowing precise control over searing intensity, while the integrated temperature gauge keeps heat management intuitive. For backyard chefs torn between gas convenience and charcoal flavor, this unit eliminates the compromise.

In real-world use, the dual-function setup shines: the side firebox doubles as a smoker, giving you true indirect cooking for ribs or brisket without needing a separate rig. The heavy-duty steel construction stands up to repeated use, and the easy-dump ash pan drastically cuts cleanup time—a rare thoughtful touch at this price. However, wind can destabilize flame consistency on the gas side, and the primary burners don’t quite match the searing power of premium models. Still, for weeknight dinners or weekend smoke sessions, it handles everything from burgers to pulled pork with commendable reliability.

Compared to high-end models like the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo, it naturally lacks in insulation and BTU intensity, but it outperforms many mid-range competitors in versatility. It’s ideal for grillers on a budget who still want smoking capability and expansive cooking real estate. While not built for competition-level BBQ, it offers exceptional value, packing serious features into an accessible frame—especially when you consider it matches or exceeds pricier grills in usable square inches and core functionality.

This dual-fuel dynamo redefines flexibility with its fully independent gas and charcoal zones, giving you the rare ability to run both sides simultaneously without cross-interference. The 690 sq. in. cooking area—fed by three stainless steel burners and a well-enameled charcoal tray—delivers consistent heat across both zones, while the porcelain-enameled cast iron grates offer superior heat retention and nonstick performance. The side burner is a standout, perfect for simmering sauces or sautéing veggies while grilling—turning your patio into a full outdoor kitchen.

During testing, the dual slide-out trays—one for grease, one for ash—made post-grill cleanup remarkably simple, a major win for busy hosts. The 61-inch prep counter keeps tools and platters within reach, reducing kitchen trips. On performance, the gas side ignites quickly and holds steady in moderate wind, while the charcoal chamber lights easily and maintains flavor-rich heat for classic grilled taste. Still, the charcoal side lacks a height-adjustable grate, limiting control over indirect cooking, and the lid doesn’t include a temperature gauge, forcing reliance on external thermometers.

Positioned between budget and premium models, it outshines the Char-Griller E5030 with its side burner and smarter cleanup system, though it doesn’t match the Oklahoma Joe’s in smoking depth. It’s perfect for entertaining families or hosting weekend cookouts where both convenience and flavor matter. With smarter ergonomics and dual-zone independence, it justifies its higher cost over basic combos by delivering a more complete, kitchen-like experience.

With its sleek silver-black profile and seamless dual-zone layout, the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N strikes the sweet spot between versatility and value, earning its title as the best mid-range combo. The 759 sq. in. cooking surface—including a 167 sq. in. warming rack—handles large spreads with ease, while the 20,000 BTU output ensures quick heat-up and stable performance across both gas and charcoal sides. The side shelves with three hooks add serious utility, keeping tongs, rubs, and brushes within arm’s reach, and the lockable casters make repositioning effortless—even on uneven patios.

In practice, the porcelain-coated grates deliver excellent browning and resist sticking when preheated properly, and the dual grease and ash trays simplify maintenance. The gas side lights reliably via piezo ignition, and the charcoal chamber heats evenly, though it lacks a damper for fine smoke control. While it can’t match the searing power of 30,000+ BTU grills, it’s more than capable for burgers, kebabs, and grilled veggies. One limitation: the charcoal pan isn’t height-adjustable, reducing precision for low-and-slow cooks.

Compared to the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC, it offers less total cooking area but better mobility and a cleaner design. It’s ideal for home grillers who want dual-fuel flexibility without overspending, striking a balance between feature richness and usability. While it doesn’t include a smoker box or side burner, it delivers consistent performance and thoughtful storage, making it a smarter pick than budget models and a worthy alternative to pricier setups.

Don’t let the modest footprint fool you—this ultra-budget dual-fuel grill packs a surprising amount of functionality into a compact frame. With 12,000 BTUs and a 327 sq. in. cooking surface, it’s designed for small families or casual grillers who want charcoal flavor and gas convenience without a massive investment. The integrated cast iron griddle is a standout, turning one side into a flat-top for pancakes, eggs, or smash burgers—a rare feature at this price. The free silicone grill gloves add real value, offering high-heat protection that’s often sold separately.

In real use, the dual independent zones work well for simple meals—think grilled chicken on gas, veggies on charcoal—but the low BTU output means longer preheat times and weaker searing. The slide-out ash tray and grease slot keep cleanup manageable, though the small grease cup fills quickly during heavy use. Wind easily disrupts the flame, and the thin steel body shows heat loss during extended cooks. Still, for apartment patios or tailgating, it’s impressively functional.

When stacked against the Royal Gourmet or Captiva models, it’s clearly scaled down—but for first-time buyers or space-limited users, it’s a logical entry point. It lacks the power and space for big gatherings, but it excels as a starter combo grill with griddle versatility. For those dipping into dual-fuel cooking, it offers unbeatable affordability and essential features, making it a gateway rather than a final destination.

This high-output griddle beast is engineered for serious outdoor chefs who prioritize speed, heat, and flat-top versatility. Boasting a staggering 54,000 total BTUs—30,000 for the grill, 24,000 for the griddle—it heats up faster than most rivals and maintains intense, even temperatures across both zones. The 696 sq. in. cooking surface splits into a 442 sq. in. porcelain-enameled cast iron grill and a 253 sq. in. solid cast iron griddle, delivering perfect sear marks and consistent browning for everything from steaks to stir-fries. The drawer-style grease box and pull-out tray make cleanup far easier than on most high-BTU models.

In testing, the griddle side excelled at high-heat cooking—burgers sizzled on contact, and pancakes cooked evenly without hot spots. The grill side handled searing with authority, though flare-ups occurred with fatty meats, requiring careful monitoring. The lack of a charcoal element means it misses the “authentic smoke” appeal of true combo grills, but for griddle lovers and fast cooks, that’s a fair trade. The 121-lb weight ensures stability but limits mobility, and the large footprint demands serious patio space.

Compared to the Captiva Designs griddle combo (same BTU and cook area), it offers nearly identical performance and features—essentially a rebranded twin. Both outshine traditional combo grills when flat-top cooking is the priority. For families who love breakfast spreads, fajitas, or smash burgers, this model delivers pro-level heat and space, justifying its premium cost with unmatched griddle performance.

Built for griddle enthusiasts who refuse to compromise, this 54,000 BTU powerhouse combines brute heat with elegant design, making it the top pick for flat-top fanatics. The 696 sq. in. cooking space—split between a 442 sq. in. porcelain-enameled grill and 253 sq. in. cast iron pan—is fully independent, allowing you to sear steaks on one side and sauté onions on the other with zero flavor bleed. The H-shaped stainless burners ensure even flame distribution, eliminating cold spots that plague cheaper griddles. Plus, the enameled fire chamber resists rust and simplifies wipe-downs, a small luxury that pays off over time.

Real-world tests revealed rapid preheating and rock-solid temperature control, even during hour-long cooks. The angled grease tray and waste oil cup route drippings efficiently, preventing flare-ups and keeping the burners clean. The lack of a charcoal option narrows its appeal compared to true combo grills, but for those who grill more than they smoke, that’s a non-issue. The side shelves are modest, requiring external prep space, and the unit’s weight makes relocation a two-person job.

Next to the Sophia & William model, it’s nearly identical in specs and performance—likely the same unit with different branding. Yet, its superior enameled interior and sleek finish give it a slight edge in durability and aesthetics. For serious outdoor cooks who live on the griddle, it delivers restaurant-grade performance and easy maintenance, making it worth the investment over traditional combo grills when flat-top dominance is the goal.

This smoking and grilling titan earns its title as the best overall combo by merging professional-grade craftsmanship with dual-fuel intelligence. With a massive 1,434 sq. in. cooking area and a 36,000 BTU gas grill, it can handle a full rack of ribs in the smoker while searing 12 burgers on the side—perfect for large gatherings. The side firebox burns charcoal and wood chunks for authentic, low-and-slow smoke, while adjustable dampers give you pinpoint control over airflow and temperature. The integrated fuel gauge is a game-changer, eliminating guesswork when refilling propane.

In action, the thick steel walls and insulated design maintain steady temps for 8+ hour smokes, outperforming thinner-walled rivals. The removable ash pan and tool hooks add convenience, and the wagon-style wheels make moving this beast surprisingly easy. The gas side lights quickly and holds heat well, though it’s overkill for small meals. Where it truly shines is in smoking consistency—far beyond what the Char-Griller or Royal Gourmet can achieve.

Compared to the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC, it offers better heat retention, superior build quality, and a fuel gauge—justifying its premium status. It’s ideal for BBQ purists and entertainers who demand both smoker depth and gas speed. While pricier than others, it delivers unmatched performance, durability, and control, making it the most complete dual-fuel experience in the lineup.

This cooking colossus is built for big eaters and serious entertainers, offering a staggering 1,020 sq. in. cooking space—the largest in the lineup. The offset smoker isn’t just decorative; it delivers genuine smoked flavor and can double as an extra charcoal grill, while the 34,000 BTU total output ensures fast heating across gas, charcoal, and side burner zones. The 3-level adjustable charcoal pan is a standout, letting you fine-tune heat for searing, smoking, or slow-roasting—rare at this price. With 333 sq. in. each for gas and charcoal, plus a 197 sq. in. smoker chamber, it’s a true multitasker.

In real use, the side burner excels at sauces and sides, and the piezo ignition fires up reliably without batteries. The side door on the smoker allows easy fuel top-offs without opening the main chamber—preserving heat and smoke. However, the lid lacks insulation, leading to heat loss in cold weather, and the grates, while durable, aren’t porcelain-coated, making stickier foods harder to manage. Still, for the price, it’s astonishingly capable.

Versus the Oklahoma Joe’s, it offers comparable smoker functionality at nearly half the cost, though it lacks the fuel gauge and superior insulation. It’s the best value for large-scale cooking, ideal for families, tailgaters, or weekend hosts who need massive capacity and true smoking ability. With exceptional space and smart features, it outperforms its price point, making it a top contender for those who cook big and cook often.