The Char-Broil Gas and Charcoal Hybrid Grill offers the convenience of two cooking methods in one unit, making it a versatile option for backyard grillers. During busy weeknights, you can quickly fire up the gas side to grill steaks, burgers, or vegetables without the time and effort required to prepare charcoal.
On weekends or when you want that traditional smoky flavor, the grill allows you to switch to charcoal cooking. Simply add charcoal and wood chips to the tray and ignite them using the gas burners—eliminating the need for lighter fluid or pre-lit charcoal. Once the coals are heated, you can turn off the gas and continue cooking over charcoal for that classic char-grilled flavor many barbecue enthusiasts enjoy.
The grill provides 30,000 BTUs of power from the main burners, along with a 12,000 BTU side burner for preparing sauces or side dishes. In terms of cooking space, it offers approximately 545 square inches of primary grilling area, with an additional 175 square inches on the warming rack, giving you plenty of room to prepare meals for family and guests.
With the flexibility to cook using either gas or charcoal, this hybrid grill provides the convenience of quick weeknight grilling along with the traditional flavor of charcoal cooking when you have more time to enjoy the process.
Gas & Charcoal Hybrid Convenience
There’s nothing quite like a hybrid gas and charcoal grill when it comes to flexibility. With the Char-Broil Hybrid Grill, you can enjoy the convenience of quick gas grilling during the week or switch to charcoal on the weekend for that classic slow-cooked smoky flavor.
When using charcoal, you can enhance the taste even further by adding wood chips such as mesquite, hickory, or cedar, which work great for foods like ribs, chicken, or beer-can chicken. The result is tender, juicy barbecue with the rich smoky flavor many grillers love.
This grill is also a great choice for those with limited patio space. Instead of needing separate gas and charcoal grills, you get the benefits of both cooking methods in a single unit. During busy evenings, simply fire up the gas side and start cooking right away.
When you have more time to enjoy the grilling process, you can switch to charcoal. Just add charcoal and optional wood chips to the tray, ignite them using the gas burners, and once the coals are heated, turn off the gas and cook over charcoal. It’s an easy system that lets you achieve authentic charcoal flavor without the hassle of lighter fluid or long preparation times.
Another Char-Broil hybrid-type grill you might like is the Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill which is similar to this unit except you’ll need to convert the grill in three steps. The benefit is that the entire cooking surface can be either gas or charcoal as opposed to a split grill like this model. Click on link above to see the many features of this hybrid grill.
Side Burner & Prep Area
The side burner and prep area add another level of convenience to the Char-Broil Hybrid Grill. With the 12,000 BTU side burner, you can easily prepare side dishes while grilling your main course. It’s perfect for steaming corn on the cob, heating sauces, or cooking smaller foods like clams or vegetables that may not work as well directly on the grill.
The grill’s side shelves also provide a useful prep space for cutting vegetables, seasoning meats, or organizing utensils and ingredients while you cook. This setup helps keep everything within reach so you don’t have to constantly run back and forth between the grill and the kitchen.
You can even place a covered pan on the warming rack to melt butter or keep food warm, making it easier to serve a complete barbecue meal without leaving the grill area. The combination of a side burner and prep area makes outdoor cooking more efficient, convenient, and enjoyable.
Features and Specifications
- Cast-iron grates, which are porcelain-coated specifically for easy cleanup.
- Main burner: 30,000 BTU’s / Side burner: 12,000 BTU’s
- Primary cooking area: 545 sq. in.
- Warming rack area: 175 sq. in.
- Steel Construction
- Convenient Side Shelf & Side Gas Burner
- 20 x 30.5 x 33.5 inches Convenient Size for a Small Patio or Terrace
- Great small grill for the terrace
- Sturdy steel build
- Quick 3-burner heat up for gas grilling
- Porcelain-coated cast-iron grates
- Not for big crowds
- The gas hose is a little too short
Customer Reviews & Ratings
The Char-Broil Charcoal Gas Hybrid Grill is designed to be a compact and versatile grill that fits well on patios, decks, or terraces without taking up too much space. Its lightweight design and two wheels for mobility make it easy to move and position wherever you want it on your outdoor cooking area.
Because of its size, this grill is best suited for smaller gatherings of four to six people, although with some planning it can handle larger meals as well. Many owners appreciate that it offers the flexibility of both gas and charcoal cooking without requiring the space of two separate grills. This makes it especially appealing for couples, small households, or anyone with limited outdoor space who still enjoys grilling regularly.
During our research, we found 64 customer reviews on Amazon, with the grill earning an average rating of about 3.9 out of 5 stars. Approximately 74% of reviewers rated the grill 4 or 5 stars, which is a respectable score for a hybrid grill in this price range.
Some of the mixed feedback came from buyers who expected a larger backyard-style grill, when in reality this model is designed with a smaller footprint for patios and terraces.
Here are a few comments from verified buyers:
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“For the price, it’s a great grill.”
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“First grill we ever purchased and it works beautifully.”
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“My husband loves the dual grill setup.”
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“The gas side heats up fast—500 degrees in less than 10 minutes.”
Overall, most customers appreciate the convenience of having both gas and charcoal cooking options in one compact grill, making it a practical choice for smaller outdoor spaces.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Char-Broil Charcoal Gas Hybrid Grill is a convenient and compact option that fits comfortably on a patio, terrace, or in a smaller backyard. Its hybrid design allows you to enjoy the speed of gas grilling for quick weeknight meals while still having the option of charcoal cooking for traditional smoky flavor when you have more time.
This grill is best suited for everyday cooking or small gatherings of four to six people. While it may not be designed for large barbecue parties, it can still handle a surprising amount of food with a little planning.
Considering its smaller footprint and affordable price, the Char-Broil Hybrid Grill offers a practical solution for those who want the flexibility of both gas and charcoal grilling without the cost or space requirements of two separate grills.