With a hybrid grill, you easily get the pros of two different types of devices in one machine. However, it beats logic to avoid buying two grill types only to mess up the purchase by not doing your due diligence and getting something substandard.
So you can avoid this scenario, we’ve not only collated but also reviewed the 10 best hybrid grills in the market. We examined and analyzed the cooking areas, burners, heat output, extra features, and more to find pros and cons. Remember, these factors determine whether your cooking experiences with the tool will be good or bad. Based on them, we awarded the Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP with Our Editor’s Choice nomination.
More features: adjustable height charcoal tray, two Coyote iBurners, stainless steel shelves
The Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP is a very well-rounded hybrid grill. It’s a dual fuel option that works with both gas and charcoal. As stated above, the Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP comes with an 1200 sq. in. cooking surface, which means it can cook way more food than the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill at a go. Also, the charcoal tray and gas burners are integrated into different compartments in this model. This is in addition to a door to access the charcoal pan whenever adding fuel becomes necessary. Lastly, the rotisserie is an excellent addition.
This hybrid grill works if you want control over the heat in the charcoal section. Furthermore, if you need the extra cooking space when hosting, the grill is a fantastic option.
More features: adjustable height charcoal tray, stainless steel shelves, two interior grill lights, removable warming rack
Next is the Coyote Centaur C1HY50NG Dual Fuel Grill, which works with gas and charcoal. The two work in separate compartments of the grill. Notably, like the Pit Boss Memphis Smoker Grill Combo, this option allows you to control airflow into the charcoal side by adjusting the dampers. Additionally, it features a wind guard. On the gas side, there are 40,000 BTU burners. As for the features incorporated on both sides, they include thermometers, interior grill lights, and removable warming racks. On the lower side of the dual fuel grill, you find drawers and compartments to store your gas tanks and other materials. Lastly, the hybrid grill is a standalone unit with incorporated wheels if you ever need to move it.
This grill works well if you need an easy-to-use device with hybrid functionality that can be moved easily due to the inclusion of commercial-grade caster wheels.
More features: anodized aluminum cooking grate, stainless steel burners, one ceramic Infrared burner
Another hybrid grill for the average household size is the MHP WHRG4DD Hybrid Propane Gas Grill. The exterior consists of rust-resistant cast iron components. The interior, on the other hand, is a combination of different components with varied construction. For example, there are two stainless steel burners in addition to one ceramic infrared burner. Since they’re individually adjustable, they work to provide different temperature zones, allowing you to cook different recipes simultaneously. Another significant component is the reversible anodized aluminum cooking grate. One of the sides of the cooking grate is more suited to cooking larger cuts of meat, while the other can keep even smaller pieces from falling through the spaces.
As a compact grill with foldable shelves, this option is great for those with limited storage space. The large casters also make it a cinch to move the infrared and gas grill in and out of storage.
More features: porcelain-enameled cast iron cooking grates, stainless steel warming rack, two fire boxes
As the name suggests, the Royal Gourmet ZH3002SN is royalty in matters of grilling. As a hybrid/combo grill, you have the freedom to pick between charcoal and gas for different flavors. The cooking surface is also quite generous at 748 square inches. This cooking surface is split evenly between gas and charcoal systems, each having 374 square inches. Seeing as it is a combo grill, everything comes in twos. The dual temperature monitors, the dual fuels, and the dual grease management systems. There is also an ash management system for the charcoal firebox. With three stainless steel burners, you can expect 25,500 total BTU split evenly among the burners. Finally, there is the automatic ignition and front air vents for better circulation.
The Royal Gourmet ZH3002SN is best for people who hold small cookouts with friends and family. It is versatile enough to smoke, grill, sear and even bake, meaning you can meet all your guests’ needs. The cooking space is also large enough to prepare enough patties for a small gathering in one go.
More features: adjustable-height charcoal grate, charcoal access door, slide-out ash pan, porcelain-coated cast-iron primary grates
The Char-Broil Deluxe 1010 is another solid hybrid grill with features that warrant its inclusion on the list, e.g., the 505 sq. in. cooking area. This area is divided into equal parts for both the charcoal and the gas burner side. The gas side comes fitted with three 12,000 BTU burners which combine to provide the 36,000 BTU heat. As a bonus, there’s a side burner that you can cover with a lid and use as a food preparation surface. The charcoal side comes with a charcoal grate that you can raise or lower using the crank on the front of the grill. Furthermore, there’s a slide-out ash pan so you can get rid of the ash after a cooking session. Notably, both these sides feature porcelain-coated, cast-iron grates that are low maintenance and easily transfer heat to the food.
This hybrid grill works perfectly for an average-sized household, and as a bonus, it’s affordable.
More features: 12,000-BTU side burner, integrated ignition, rubber grip control knobs, 2 wheels for mobility, height-adjustable charcoal tray
Next is the Blossomz GBC1793W Charcoal/Gas Grill, which is a fairly simplistic hybrid option. It comes standard with a 557 sq.in. cooking surface. Notably, this surface is divided into two parts that each work with one of the fuel types. The gas side is responsible for a total heat output of 24000 BTU. You even get individual controls for all the incorporated burners. Also, the grill’s design features wheels just in case you need to move it from place to place and a shelf to place your fuel tank as you cook. A height-adjustable charcoal tray is also part of the product’s construction. Lastly, there are warming racks on both the gas and charcoal side.
The affordability of this option is one of its biggest highlights, so if you’re strapped for funds but still want a hybrid grill, you can get the Blossomz GBC1793W Charcoal/Gas Grill.
More features: side burner, stainless steel burners, porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grates
For most average households, a grill with a 500 sq. in. cooking surface is enough. This remains true even if you host a few other people in the home every now and then. The Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill fits this demographic quite well, which is the majority of the American population. In addition to the cooking surface of just over 500 sq.in. the grill features excellent construction. Two examples of this are in the porcelain-coated cast-iron grates and the stainless steel burners. The burners also hold their own in the list of features. They provide a total of 52,000 of heat divided between the main grill and the side burner. Additionally, you can use charcoal as your primary fuel. In fact, the transition from gas to charcoal or vice versa takes merely a few seconds.
The Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill is again for the average household, especially if you host occasionally. As a hybrid, you get both the smoky flavor of charcoal and the versatility and easy control of gas grills.
More features: built-in grill, stainless steel burners, one Infrared burner, continuous spark ignition, analog thermometer
Our second inclusion with an incorporated rotisserie option is the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill. However, the said rotisserie will cost you a bit extra. Additionally, the grill features a sleek and impressive-looking exterior design, especially with the polished mirror finish. Inside the hood, there are six 11,000 BTU burners that use gas as fuel. This is coupled with a 32,000 BTU infrared searing zone. This design allows for different grilling zones to cook different foods at the same time. Also, these heat sources are placed under self-cleaning stainless steel cooking grates that leave little to no space between them for food to fall through. Since this machine uses gas and infrared heating, turning it on shouldn’t be a hassle because of the continuous spark ignition.
If you don’t like the hassle of charcoal use, but you still want a hybrid with separate grilling zones that you can control, the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill is almost perfect for your needs.
More features: adjustable charcoal grate and air dampers, porcelain-coated cast-iron grilling surface, porcelain-coated warming racks, adjustable vents
The Pit Boss Memphis Smoker Grill Combo’s design is unlike most others and is one of the most advanced you’ll come across. Like a few other hybrid grills listed above, it incorporates a gas grill with three burners. This is in addition to the charcoal grill side. However, these are not the only two options. There’s a vertical electrical smoker included on the lower side of the machine as well. It’s pretty versatile since you can use it as a smoker or cold smoking unit by making a few changes to the controls. When combined, all these surfaces offer a 2,167 sq.in cooking area. Notably, it comes with porcelain-coated warming racks and grilling surfaces, and these should be positives during maintenance and cleanup. It also offers additional control over cooking factors such as airflow and the distance of the charcoal from the meat.
This hybrid grill works for anyone looking for versatility in their purchase. With a smoker included, it can also save you the money and space associated with buying separate cooking tools.
More features: thermometers, slide-out grease tray, ash tray, side air vents, hooks
When looking at the design, the Captiva Designs Grill draws many parallels to the Fire Magic Aurora A830s, especially by splitting up the gas and charcoal sides. Also, you can adjust the grate height to control the heat in the charcoal section. Adding coal, however, is a different story. You have to lift the grate, which might be inconvenient. Nevertheless, a grate lifter is part of the package to help with this task. The electronic ignition works, but it’s only for the gas side and the warming rack. With the charcoal side, you’ll need to use lighter fluid. You also get an easy-dump ash pan.
As a hybrid grill, this option works if you’d like to cook with both the charcoal and gas grill simultaneously. Also, the cooking surface is perfect if you’re making food for a relatively large gathering.
If you want a hybrid grill to be your next major purchase, it’s not just a matter of showing up to the store and picking one. It’s a process that needs careful consideration before you make your final buying decision. The information and tips below can help guide you through the thought process, and that will allow you to get the best hybrid bbq grill for your needs.
The major difference between a hybrid grill and a regular one is that the former provides at least two heat sources to cook your meals while standard bbq grills provide only one. Often it’s a combination of gas and charcoal heat sources. However, there are infrared hybrid grills that offer two types of heat sources by using the same kind of fuel. More on that below.
There are two types of hybrid outdoor grills. The first major type is the dual fuel option. An option like the Blossomz GBC1793W Charcoal/Gas Grill is a dual fuel option since it uses both charcoal and gas to provide the heat even though these two fuel types work in different compartments.
Option two is the hybrid infrared gas grill. According to Tech News World Trusted Source Consumers Warm to Infrared Grilling - TechNewsWorld Like many sailors, Tom Dougherty likes to grill a juicy steak on his boat. And he has found that infrared technology sears his steaks to perfection, even on a small, sailboat-sized grill. www.technewsworld.com , these grills consist of an infrared element placed between the flame and the grate. The most common infrared element is ceramic, as seen in the MHP WHRG4DD Hybrid Propane Gas Grill. It helps redistribute the heat more evenly. Also, it allows you more control over the heat in addition to extra benefits like eliminating flare-ups.
One major upside is that you don’t have to give up any of the benefits of different types of grills. A confusing sentiment, but let me explain. For instance, you get precise control over heat with a gas grill, which is absent in charcoal grills. In charcoal grills, you get intense smokey flavors that most people love on their meat. This is absent in the gas grill.
Finally, in a hybrid grill, you get even heat distribution, something that’s absent in the other two. By picking a hybrid grill, you get the top features of the grill types you like, whether they’re charcoal, gas, or infrared alternatives.
In a device like the Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP, you could get the smoky flavor in your meats by using the charcoal section or ensure even cooking in your veggies by using the gas burner side.
Also, there are the cost and space savings to consider. According to Forbes Trusted Source The United States of Barbecue - America's Love Affair With Backyard Cooking Memorial Day is widely regarded as the unofficial kickoff to backyard grilling season, yet surprisingly, Mother’s Day, coming in just a few weeks, is the fifth most popular outdoor cooking day of the year. www.forbes.com , 53% of American barbecuing households have charcoal grills, while close to 2/3 of the same demographic have gas grills.
Consequently, it’s safe to conclude that some of these households overlap and therefore own more than one grill. Notably, they could save some money and space by picking a two-in-one device rather than buying just one.
For reliable tips on picking the best hybrid outdoor grills, keep reading.
The ignition is one of the things to look for in your purchase, and you want it to be as convenient as possible. This applies even to the charcoal side of your grill. In the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill, for instance, you get electronic ignition for gas cooking.
However, since you integrate the charcoal tray around the gas burners, this same system can help light the charcoal without needing lighter fluid.
You also want the ignition system to be reliable, so you don’t end up having to look for alternatives while that time would be better used preparing and grilling your recipes.
The total cooking area comes into play. If you’re an average-sized barbecuing household, you have little use for a grill with a cooking area larger than 500 sq.in. This space is enough for most of your recipes, even if you host guests a couple of times a year.
However, if you know you cook for large groups of people, your requirements for the grill may be different. As such, it’s necessary to take into account the maximum number of people you want to cook for.
Remember, even the 500 sq. in. is overkill for a small group since it can fit about 24 burger buns at a go. There are, of course, larger hybrid grills like the Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill with its 1260 sq.in. of cooking space.
With the design, it’s a matter of preference. If you prefer something minimalistic but functional, many models can give you that, with the Blossomz GBC1793W Charcoal/Gas Grill as one example.
Conversely, some of you want hybrid grills that look amazing in addition to providing the functionality you need. This is where models like the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill with its gorgeous mirror finish come in.
You’ll notice that looks also play a role in the pricing of the grill, and therefore those with better aesthetics will tend to be more expensive.
Next, there’s the construction aspect. For both the simplistic and aesthetically pleasing options, you want something that’s designed to last a long time. As we mentioned above, a hybrid grill is a significant investment. Some even cost upwards of $5000.
Consequently, you don’t want to buy one this year and be looking for another grill next year because yours is damaged beyond repair. This is why you look at the construction materials and their quality.
The better the quality, the longer the hybrid grill will last. Also, it’s unlikely that durably constructed grills will arrive at your door with dented or broken pieces.
You want to look at the number of burners as well. This can help you determine the heat distribution, which can be helpful, especially where you want to use indirect heat for cooking. Also, since most of these burners come with individual control knobs, it’s easy to create different heat zones so you can cook different meals at the same time.
Information by the Energy Information Administration Trusted Source British thermal units (Btu) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) A British thermal unit (Btu) is a measure of the heat content of fuels or energy sources. It is the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of liquid water by 1 degree Fahrenheit at the temperature that water has its greatest density (approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit). www.eia.gov asserts that BTU is a measurement unit to determine the heat content produced by energy sources of fuels. With grills, it can quantify precisely how much heat is produced, especially by burning gas or using the infrared component.
Since these factors determine the maximum heat available on your grate and how fast the grate heats up, it could be beneficial to have a higher BTU. Nevertheless, even a low BTU option will still manage to cook your recipe, although it’s likely to take longer.
For most buyers looking to own a hybrid bbq grill, portability is not something they look at. They want a grill they can install in their backyard and open whenever they need to cook something.
However, it’s common for the ideal spot for grilling in your backyard to change depending on the situation. Consequently, most manufacturers include casters to move the device around in the backyard, depending on the situation.
These casters may even come in handy to move the grill out of the rain if necessary. However, many of these devices are too big and heavy to lift, so transporting them out of the house is not viable.
Also, a few users want a grill that they can take out of the house for trips. In such a case, a compact, lightweight option is ideal. That way, it can fit in a truck or car and be transported to the destination.
The dimensions and weight are another area you look into before purchasing the hybrid grill that you want. As mentioned above, these two factors play a considerable role in the portability of the grill.
However, they can affect other things as well. For instance, you may want a device that fits in a small garage or shed. Consequently, a compact hybrid grill like the MHP WHRG4DD Hybrid Propane Gas Grill is better suited to the storage space than the Coyote Centaur C1HY50NG Dual Fuel Grill.
Also, it’s likely to be lighter, meaning it will be less of a hassle to move the grill in and out of the storage space.
If you commit hundreds or thousands of dollars to a hybrid grill purchase, it would be better to pick one with a guarantee from the manufacturer. This is because manufacturing defects tend to happen often enough to be a cause for concern, even for the most reliable manufacturers.
As such, if you don’t protect yourself and your investment, you could end up having to spend a similar amount of money or more to get a different, more reliable device.
On the other hand, if you’re warranty-protected, you likely won’t need to spend a dime on replacements or repairs if the grill falls apart soon after the purchase. Also, the warranty could prove just how much effort the manufacturer puts into ensuring each product they ship out is of the best quality.
Accessories in a grill can provide you with extra functionality. Something like a rotisserie attachment can help you with some recipes. Try to get as many optional accessories as you can get in your purchase. However, in some cases getting all the accessories can cost you more than if you opted to get third-party alternatives, so choose wisely.
With hybrid grills, there are lots of extra features that you might encounter. One example is the ability to adjust the charcoal tray up and down to control the heat reaching the food. If you want to cook it slowly over low heat, you position the charcoal further away. Alternatively, you can increase the heat by setting the hot charcoal closer to the food. Another extra feature you may encounter on the charcoal side is control over airflow provided by dampers.
Other examples include inbuilt thermometers, lights, warming racks, side shelves, and more. These extra features can add more functionality or make it more convenient to use the hybrid grill. As such, always look to get as many of them as you can.
On the other hand, you have dual fuel options that work with charcoal as well. Unlike gas, you can’t light charcoal electronically. You have to pour lighter fluid on the coal, light them up using a matchstick or lighter and let them burn until they turn white-hot.
After that, you can add food to your grill. Some hybrid grill options come with features to help you ignite the coal. In some cases, it’s in the form of a gas burner that provides BTU of flames right under the charcoal tray. This burns the charcoal until it’s white-hot, and then you can turn the igniter off.
