Immense painting experience recommends Anna. She shaped The Little Painters, a small local painting workshop for children that invites the little ones to explore painting through simple and creative means in a safe, loving and extremely colorful environment. In her home painting studio she plays with all paint mediums but watercolor is her expertise.
Expertises: Art, Painting, Drawing, Home improvement, Gardening
Imagine this – you’re hanging out with your mates under a starlit sky, sharing stories around a bonfire.
The only thing missing is a sumptuous barbecue to satisfy the soul. So, in today’s review, we’ll be discussing hybrid grills, which are perfect for most settings. You can use the grill for cooking meat and quickly switch to charcoal when needed.
Plus, you get to serve tasty smoked dishes for a fulfilling experience, thanks to the side firebox. Now, what about people who need to travel? Well, thanks to the portable design and wheels, you can set up hybrid grills in any suitable spot.
But how will you choose from the many top-notch models available out there? We’ve narrowed down the seven best products that are taking the market by storm. Moreover, we’ve added a buyer’s guide for added convenience.
Therefore, grab the cooking pan because it’s time to light the fire.
Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, these hybrid grills are designed to deliver exceptional performance and mouthwatering results. So, without further ado, here’s the list of the 6 best hybrid grills that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience to new heights.
1. Weber Grill – Best for Convenience and Versatility
The Weber Grill set makes cooking look easy, allowing users to ignite the flame at the push of a button. Then, with help from the temperature gauge and mounted timer, you can cook the food just right to enjoy a hearty meal. Once served, the smell of barbecue will have you salivating.
Electronic Touch-N-Go with Propane Gas powered ignition...
Dimensions - Lid Closed: 43.5"H x 48"W x 30"D | Weight: 91...
Why Did We Like It?
We’ll begin by discussing the propane-powered ignition system complete with the electronic touch-n-go mechanism. It provides a steady supply of power, ensuring that you can operate the grill without any hassle and cook at optimum temperature. Furthermore, the lid allows you to control the heat and try different cooking techniques.
Chefs will enjoy a total cooking area of 363 square inches complemented by the 22-inch porcelain-enamel bowl. Not only is it ideal for cooking different dishes, but the porcelain-enamel construction makes it easy to clean. In that regard, the efficient aluminum cleaning system proves convenient as users can operate it with a single touch.
Other interesting additions include the built-in LED thermometer that will help you keep an eye on the temperature. Also, the removable LCD timer helps you keep track while the food is grilling.
What Could’ve Been Better?
While trying to remove the grate, you’ll find the screws on the lid holder coming in your way. Although there’s no remedy for it, this isn’t a serious issue. Plus, due to the absence of a fuel-bin lid, you’ll need to watch the food, lest tiny insects might fall in.
Pros
Electronic touch-n-go mechanism
Built-in lid thermometer
Removable LCD timer
Aluminum ash catcher
Interactive assembly instructions
Cons
No fuel-bin lid
Protruding screws
Cooking Area: 323 sq in | Fuel Type: Gas and Charcoal | Number of Burners: N/A | BTU Output: 18000 | Grill Type: Charcoal
Another all-in-one option that has made significant progress in charcoal cooking is this set from Char-Broil. It may not look fancy, but the engineers have added all the relevant components, making it suitable for first-timers and professional chefs alike. It’s one of the most popular units going around.
Quickly and easily converts from a gas grill to charcoal...
Enjoy the speed and convenience of grilling with gas. Get...
Why Did We Like It?
When it comes to hybrid grills, this brand offers nothing but the best. It’s one of the most versatile models available out there, allowing you to quickly convert a gas grill into a charcoal grill. Needless to say, it’s perfect for cooking various recipes.
We were impressed with the speed of cooking, but more importantly, it doesn’t affect the delicious charcoal flavor to spice up your dishes. And similar to the Char-griller 5050, this model features three main burners along with a side burner. The output from these three burners is 40,000 BTU, while the side burner operates at 12,000 BTU.
Also, instead of one large area, users have loved the concept of a triple cooking space. You’ll see it’s divided into a cooking zone, a primary cooking area, and a warming rack.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We noticed that the charcoal tray is closer to the grill surface compared to other models, making it difficult to regulate the temperature. Plus, the grease catcher isn’t the best, and you may find grease build-up under the burners. Therefore, we recommend regular maintenance to maintain the quality of the components.
Pros
Total output of 40,000 BTU
Side burner delivers 12,000 BTU power
Easy to clean
Convertible
Delicious charcoal flavor
Cons
Higher temperatures
Grease build-up
Cooking Area: 420 sq in | Fuel Type: Gas and Charcoal | Number of Burners: 3 | BTU Output: 40000 | Grill Type: Hybrid
We’re already at the halfway point in our guide, and next up is another quality product from Char-Griller. You can try various cooking techniques, with users reporting that it’s fairly simple to operate this model. Not surprisingly, it finds a spot on most wish lists.
MULTIPLE COOKING AREAS - Smoke a brisket on the 580 square...
Why Did We Like It?
Have you always wanted to cook Texas-style barbecue food? Now, your dream can become a reality with this product. In keeping with tradition, the manufacturers have developed an antique design consisting of a charcoal grill and a side firebox.
The firebox and grill barrel feature a powder-coated steel construction to withstand the heat and cook the food evenly. Furthermore, the non-stick cast-iron cooking grates prevent sticking, making it easier to clean. Speaking of which, we must mention the removable drawers, ideal for adding charcoal and removing the ashes.
We loved the inclusion of two wheels allowing you to move it to any suitable spot. Plus, with the temperature gauge and storage rack, even first-time chefs can get the desired results. Other than that, you can cook smoked items on the firebox, which has a total area of 250 square inches.
What Could’ve Been Better?
After regular use, chefs found that the paint fades out due to heat from the grills. While it doesn’t affect performance, most users wouldn’t like to own a discolored unit. Additionally, when there’s a strong wind, the thermometer malfunctions, making it challenging to regulate the temperature.
Pros
Side firebox
Two wheels
Combined cooking space of 830 square inches
Antique design
Storage rack
Cons
Fading
Strong winds pose a problem
Cooking Area: 580 sq in | Fuel Type: Charcoal | Number of Burners: N/A | BTU Output: N/A | Grill Type: Charcoal
Do you intend on serving up a hearty feast? Well, this grill set is sure to grab your attention with its range of fantastic functions. If you find buyers queueing up outside stores, it’s probably because they want to check out its features. So, read on to find out more.
Dual Fuel Propane Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo: 2 in 1...
Air Flow System: Lid-mounted dampers and invisible front air...
Why Did We Like It?
If there’s any product that does justice to its name, it’s this model from Royal Gourmet. And in a particularly royal fashion, the designers have added 742 square inches of cooking space, comprising gas and charcoal. But that’s not all, as the folding side tables increase work area while offering much-needed sturdiness.
You’ll notice that it comes with three stainless-steel burners providing an output of 27,000 BTU for even distribution of heat. Similarly, the firebox can tolerate a maximum temperature of 600 degrees, thanks to the organic silicone construction. So, you can use the same model for grilling or smoking the food.
Now, the ash produced is collected in a slide-out ash pan, making it easy to clean. Also convenient is the addition of wheels and casters for smooth movement, allowing you to set-up in any suitable spot.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Like the Char-Griller E1224, this product also suffers from discoloration. Although slight fading around the burners occurs over time, too much may cause buyers to have second thoughts about the purchase. Meanwhile, the instructions leave a lot to be desired, meaning it takes time to assemble this unit.
Pros
Total output of 27,000 BTU
Slide-out ash pan
Built-in thermometer
Two wheels
Durable
Cons
Discoloration
Poor instructions
Cooking Area: 579 sq in | Fuel Type: Gas and Charcoal | Number of Burners: 3 | BTU Output: 25500 | Grill Type: Charcoal
The fact that this brand features twice on our list highlights the impressive range of products up its sleeve. Similarly, this 1010 Grill comes with innovative additions like wheels on all four legs, thereby taking it to the top of the charts. Other than that, it’s terrific variety and easy cooking make it suitable for all purposes.
Combination charcoal and gas grill with 505 square inches of...
Gas chamber features 3 burners and a lidded side burner with...
Why Did We Like It?
First, it offers a primary cooking space of 505 square inches, allowing you to try a combination of gas and charcoal cooking. Included in this space, we found three regular burners along with a lidded side burner, highlighting its versatility. These three burners operate at 36,000 BTU, while the side burner has an output of 12,000 BTU.
Coming to user-friendliness, you’ll see that the charcoal chamber has a height-adjustable charcoal grate. Hence, it’s convenient to raise the height of the grills, thereby lowering the temperature. This allows you to adapt and experiment with different cooking techniques without any hassle.
Another exciting addition is the charcoal access door, meaning you can easily control the power and heat distribution. Plus, the ash collects in a slide-out pan, similar to that of the Royal Gourmet Grill, so users might be familiar with its functions.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Occasionally, the electronic ignition takes time to light the flame, causing a few anxious moments. Usually, the issue resolves on its own, but if it’s a recurring problem, you’ll have to hire a professional for help. Besides, cleaning the unit takes longer due to its large metal tray full of ashes.
Pros
Height-adjustable charcoal grate
Charcoal access door
Porcelain-coated design
Total power of 36,000 BTU
Easy to use
Cons
Issues with the electronic ignition
Cleaning takes time
Cooking Area: 505 sq in | Fuel Type: Gas and Charcoal | Number of Burners: 3 | BTU Output: 36000 | Grill Type: Charcoal
A chef is the boss of the kitchen, and what better grill set to help in your culinary journey than the Pit Boss Smoker? Apart from grilling, you can serve smoked dishes, making it the preferred unit for buyers. So, if interested, you can check out our review below.
This Pit Boss Smoker Grill Combo makes an excellent addition...
some assembly required
Why Did We Like It?
Let’s look at the cooking area before discussing its other features. This model offers 2,167 square inches of cooking space with the grill, while the electric smoker has an area of 1,327 square inches.
You can try out smoked cuisines and grilled recipes, thanks to the three burners which have a capacity of 2.5 cubic feet. And they deliver a combined output of 36,000 BTU. But with help from the adjustable charcoal grate and air dampers, you can conveniently increase or reduce the temperature.
Furthermore, the electric analog smoker has a front access wood pan for greater cooking flexibility. It’s supported by adjustable vents, allowing smoke to fill the charcoal chamber, meaning you can experiment with two different smoking techniques.
Plus, users can use the four casters as a liquid gas grill, a smoker firebox, and an infrared searing burner, highlighting its versatility.
What Could’ve Been Better?
One of the issues with this unit is that customers have found it challenging to remove the stickers from its surface. So, it’s a hindrance for homeowners who like to keep their models nice and tidy. However, the more serious concern is with the temperature gauge, which sometimes fails to provide an accurate reading.
Pros
Versatile
Total output of 36,000 BTU
Front access wood pan
Adjustable vents
Adjustable charcoal grate
Cons
Challenging to remove stickers
Inaccurate temperature gauge
Cooking Area: 1938 sq in | Fuel Type: Gas and Charcoal | Number of Burners: 3 | BTU Output: 30000 | Grill Type: Smoker
Let’s progress to the buyer’s guide, where we will be discussing the essential attributes of hybrid grills. This will help you distinguish between two similar products and pick the model most suitable to your needs.
Durability
First and foremost, any hybrid grill must be sturdy to handle the demands of grilling or smoking the food. As users need to operate it at high temperatures, the various components must feature stainless steel construction or use other durable materials.
Also, the manufacturer must provide covers to keep the unit safe during the monsoon.
Ease of Use
After testing the durability, you must ascertain whether the hybrid grill is easy to use. Even first-time grill owners should find it easy to understand the various functions and assemble the model. Therefore, the instructions must label the various components and mention how to control the temperature, among other things.
Power
Any hybrid grill must be sufficiently powerful to cook the food as per your needs. In that regard, all the burners along with the side firebox should be easily accessible for an uninterrupted experience. Moreover, you must be able to increase or lower the temperature without any hassle.
Hybrid Grills FAQ's
Can I use both gas and charcoal at the same time on a hybrid grill?
It depends on the specific model of the hybrid grill. Some hybrid grills feature a dual-zone design that allows you to use gas and charcoal simultaneously, while others have separate cooking areas for each fuel type. Check the product specifications or consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if simultaneous use is possible.
Are hybrid grills more expensive than regular grills?
Hybrid grills generally tend to be more expensive than single-fuel grills due to their dual functionality and enhanced features. However, the price can vary depending on the brand, size, and additional features of the grill.
Which is better, gas or charcoal cooking on a hybrid grill?
The choice between gas and charcoal cooking on a hybrid grill is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Gas grilling offers convenience, precise temperature control, and quick heat-up times, while charcoal grilling provides smoky flavors, high temperatures, and a traditional grilling experience. Hybrid grills allow you to enjoy the benefits of both fuel types.
How do I clean a hybrid grill?
Cleaning a hybrid grill involves removing the grates and cleaning them separately. For gas grilling, clean the burners, heat shields, and other gas-related components according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For charcoal grilling, remove ash and clean the charcoal grates. Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure optimal performance and longevity of your hybrid grill.
Can I convert a regular gas grill into a hybrid grill?
Converting a regular gas grill into a hybrid grill may not be possible as it requires specific design and engineering to accommodate both gas and charcoal cooking. It is recommended to purchase a dedicated hybrid grill that is designed for dual fuel use.
Conclusion
We appreciate you taking the time to read our article on the best hybrid grills, and we hope you’re as excited as we are by the fantastic range of options available. The hybrid grills we laid out in this selection provide for spectacular barbecues and unforgettable gastronomic experiences while offering efficiency and versatility.
Out of these 6 best hybrid grills, here are our top three recommendations based on different factors. For those seeking convenience and versatility, the Weber Grill is an ideal option. Its electronic touch-n-go mechanism and built-in lid thermometer make it easy to manage, ensuring a delicious barbecue output.
If you value amazing speed and flavorful charcoal-grilled dishes, the Char-Broil 463370516 Hybrid Grill is a good option. With its impressive 40,000 BTU output and easy convertibility between gas and charcoal, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the delectable results with friends and family.
Finally, the Char-Griller E1224 Grill is the right choice for those who love traditional Texas-style barbecue. With its antique design, large cooking space, and well-equipped side firebox, you can cook just like a pro and impress your loved ones.
No matter your preferences, the exciting world of hybrid grills has something to offer everyone. Bring home one of these hybrids to explore the true potential of grilling and elevate your cooking game. So, go ahead and create lasting memories with your friends and family around a delicious, smoky barbecue. Happy grilling!