Best Charcoal Grills With Gas Starters for Outdoor Cooking
Charcoal grills that also offer a gas starter or gas grill section deliver the best of both worlds: the quick startup and precise control of gas, plus the rich, smoky flavors of charcoal. This guide highlights five versatile options that let you sear, slow-prepare, or add sides with a side burner or smoker feature. Each option blends dual-fuel capabilities with practical design for backyard gatherings, tailgates, and small patios.
| Product | Brand | Cooking Area | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker | Grills House Store | 1020 sq. in. | Dual fuel with offset smoker and side burner |
| Captiva Designs Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo | Captiva Designs Store | 690 sq. in. | Independent gas and charcoal sections, large counter |
| KINGSFORD Heavy Duty Deluxe Charcoal Chimney Starter | Kingsford Store | Charcoal lighting | Fast, even lighting for charcoal |
| Charbroil Bistro Pro Gas Grill for Small Spaces | Charbroil Store | Small footprint, gas + charcoal option | 2-in-1 grilling on a compact unit |
| The Bincho Grill Charcoal Starter Gas Burner | The Bincho Grill Store | High-heat portable stove | Piezo ignition with portable design |
2-Burner Dual Fuel Grill With Offset Smoker
The 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo combines gas grilling with an attached offset smoker, plus a side burner for sauces or sides. With a total 1020 square inches of cooking space, it provides a primary gas and charcoal area, a warming rack, and a dedicated offset smoker. The design supports versatile cooking methods—from fast searing on the gas side to slow-smoked meats in the smoker, while the side door simplifies charcoal addition and ash removal.
Propane Gas And Charcoal Grill Combo With Side Burner
This dual-fuel setup lets you independently control the gas and charcoal grills, offering a 690-square-inch total cooking area. A 520-square-inch porcelain-enameled cast iron primary zone pairs with a 170-square-inch warming rack, providing ample space for cooking multiple items at once. The expansive 61-inch counter helps with prep, while the porcelain-enameled grates promote even heat and easy cleaning across both fuel types.
KINGSFORD Heavy Duty Deluxe Charcoal Starter
Designed to accelerate charcoal lighting, the Kingsford Deluxe Starter draws airflow through a vented chimney for quick, even ignition. A heat-shield handle keeps hands protected during use, while a large capacity lets you load substantial charcoal for longer cooks or bigger gatherings. This tool pairs well with both charcoal-only grilling and dual-fuel setups when starting a charcoal fire quickly.
Charbroil Bistro Pro Gas Grill For Small Spaces
The Charbroil Bistro Pro blends gas and charcoal capabilities in a compact footprint ideal for small patios. The 2-in-1 cooking system supports gas grilling with an integrated charcoal rack that you light via the gas burner—no lighter fluid needed. A high-temperature range up to 700°F enables solid sear marks, while the space-efficient design maximizes usability in limited outdoor spaces.
The Bincho Grill Charcoal Starter Gas Burner
This high-heat, portable stove combines a 12,800W burner with four heads and Piezo ignition for instant start. It’s designed for lighting binchotan or other charcoal quickly and efficiently, making it a practical companion to any charcoal grill setup or chimney starter. Its compact, travel-ready design supports outdoor cooking on camping trips or backyard sessions where fast ignition is beneficial.
Buying Guide
- Cooking versatility: Look for dual-fuel capability (gas plus charcoal) to switch between fast weeknight meals and authentic charcoal flavor as needed.
- Cooking area and layout: Consider primary grilling zones, warming racks, and any integrated smokers or side burners. A larger area helps with multi-item cooks.
- Control and zoning: Independent control of gas and charcoal sections offers flexibility for different recipes and crowd sizes.
- Portability and footprint: For small patios, compact designs or combo units that maximize space without sacrificing functionality are ideal.
- Starting and ignition: Features like Piezo ignition or dedicated charcoal starters speed up startup and reduce flare-ups.
- Maintenance: Enamel-coated grates, easy ash management, and durable construction extend the grill’s lifespan and reduce cleanup time.
- Durability vs. price: Weigh heavy-duty construction (cast iron, stainless steel) against budget considerations to find long-term value.
- Flavor options: Some models include smoker attachments or offset smokers for deeper flavor profiles; evaluate how often you’ll use them.