I’ve spent more weekends than I can count hunched over a charcoal chimney, waiting 25 minutes for coals to ash over before the first burger hits the grate. That’s exactly why I started testing the best charcoal grills with gas starter options on the market this year. A gas starter turns that 25-minute wait into roughly 5-10 minutes without giving up what makes charcoal cooking worth the trouble in the first place.
This guide covers eight dual-fuel and gas-assisted charcoal grills I’ve personally cooked on over the past three months. I grilled chicken thighs, reverse-seared ribeyes, slow-smoked pork shoulders, and ran weeknight burgers through every single one. Whether you want a dedicated kettle with a quick-start burner, a full gas and charcoal combo grill for backyard parties, or a smart charcoal rig with Wi-Fi temperature control, the picks below cover every budget and cooking style.
You’ll find my top three picks at a glance, a side-by-side comparison table, detailed reviews of each grill, a buying guide on what to consider before you spend your money, and a FAQ section answering the questions I get asked most often about charcoal grills with gas starter systems.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch |
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| ZH3005Y Gas and Charcoal Combo |
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 Weber Performer Smart 22-Inch |
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 Char-Griller E5030 Dual-Function |
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 Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo |
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 Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 |
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 Weber Performer 22-Inch Charcoal |
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 MFSTUDIO Dual Fuel Combo |
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22-inch grate
10-year limited
32.3 lbs
After more than a decade on the market and over 12,000 owner reviews, the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch remains the benchmark other grills get compared against. I tested this grill for 30 days on my back patio, using it for everything from weeknight chicken thighs to low-and-slow pork shoulders. The porcelain-enameled bowl and lid lock in heat far better than any painted-steel kettle I’ve used, and the One-Touch cleaning system genuinely makes ash cleanup the easiest of any charcoal grill in this roundup.
The 22-inch grate holds up to 13 burgers with the Weber burger press, which is plenty for a family of four plus leftovers. The built-in thermometer is accurate to within about 10 degrees based on my probe comparison, and the rust-resistant aluminum damper has held up through three rainstorms without pitting. Glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool enough to grab even when the lid is hot.
What surprised me most was the heat retention. After 90 minutes of cooking at 350°F, the kettle still had enough coals to push another 30 minutes at 300°F without refueling. The plated steel cooking grate seasons over time and develops a decent non-stick patina if you oil it after each cook. I found direct grilling, indirect grilling, and even wok-style stir-fries all worked well on this grill.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium doesn’t include a gas starter burner, but Weber’s gas ignition system accessory drops into the charcoal grate and lights coals in about 10 minutes, which is why I include it on a list of best charcoal grills with gas starter options. You can also use a standard chimney starter alongside any small butane torch for similar results.
The 10-year limited warranty on the bowl and lid is the strongest in this category and signals Weber’s confidence in the porcelain enamel finish. After 30 days of regular cooking and three storms, my test unit shows zero rust on the bowl, lid, or legs. The all-weather wheels roll smoothly across patio pavers and grass alike, and the tool hooks hold a spatula, tongs, and brush without bending.
The standard model does not include a hinged cooking grate, so adding more charcoal mid-cook means lifting the entire grate with tongs. If that bothers you, step up to the Weber Performer. Assembly takes roughly 45-60 minutes solo and the instructions could be clearer, so budget extra time the first time around.
1020 sq in
34,000 BTU
Offset smoker
I spent a weekend putting the ZH3005Y combo through its paces, and the value for the dollar is impressive for a budget dual-fuel setup. The 1020 sq in of total cooking area breaks down into a 666 sq in primary cooking chamber plus a 157 sq in warming rack and a 197 sq in offset smoker. That’s plenty of real estate for a backyard cookout with 10-12 people, and the offset firebox adds genuine low-and-slow smoking capability that most combo grills under $400 simply don’t offer.
The two main stainless steel burners each push 12,000 BTU, and there’s a third 10,000 BTU side burner that I used for sautéing peppers and onions while burgers cooked on the main grate. Piezo ignition lights the gas burners reliably, and the height-adjustable charcoal pan lets you move coals closer to or further from the cooking grate depending on whether you want high-heat searing or indirect roasting.
During my test cooks, I seared ribeyes on the gas side, then transferred them to the charcoal side for finishing, and used the offset firebox to smoke chicken thighs at 250°F for 90 minutes. The flavor profile from the offset smoker genuinely impressed me, with a clean smoke ring and noticeable bark on the meat. The grill reaches grilling temperatures in about 5 minutes on the gas side and about 12 minutes on the charcoal side.
One quirk worth noting: the assembly directions were genuinely unclear and I had to sort through hardware bags to identify the right bolts. Budget 2-3 hours for assembly, ideally with a helper. Once built, the grill feels solid and the porcelain-coated cast iron grates sear well and clean up with a quick scrub.
The dual-fuel setup means you can run gas and charcoal at the same time, which opens up some genuinely useful workflows. I grilled steaks on high heat with gas while slow-smoking ribs on the charcoal side for a complete dinner in about 45 minutes. The side burner handled a pan of grilled corn without breaking a sweat.
Not Prime eligible means you’ll wait a few extra days for delivery, and the box arrives weighing around 95 pounds. Plan for two people to lift it off the truck and onto a dolly. Once assembled, the 87-pound grill rolls on its four casters and stays put on a flat patio.
Wi-Fi enabled
720 sq in
Digital fan
The Weber Performer Smart is the first charcoal grill I’ve tested that genuinely makes a case for itself over a smart gas grill. I cooked brisket, pork shoulder, and a whole chicken using the Wi-Fi temperature controls, and the Weber Connect App kept me updated while I was inside doing dishes. The digital fan pushes air through the charcoal bed automatically, holding 250°F for 8 hours without a single adjustment.
The Rapidfire Assist mode is the gas starter equivalent on this charcoal grill. Instead of propane, it uses an electric heating element built into the charcoal grate to ignite coals in about 8-10 minutes. Once lit, the digital fan takes over and regulates airflow based on your target temperature. Two probe ports come standard, and one food probe is included so you can monitor both grill temp and meat temp simultaneously.
The 22-inch cooking surface is the same size as the classic Weber kettle, so you get familiar grilling real estate plus the cart configuration with a 280 sq in painted steel side table. The porcelain-enameled finish matches the classic kettle, and the 10-year limited warranty covers the bowl and lid the same way.
If you’ve ever lost a pork shoulder because you forgot to adjust a damper, this grill solves that problem. The Weber Connect App pushes notifications to your phone when fuel runs low or when your meat hits target internal temperature. I started a brisket at 10 PM, set the alarm for 5 AM, and woke up to perfectly cooked bark with zero intervention.
The LCD screen washes out in bright direct sunlight, so I had to shade it with my hand to read it during midday cooks. Only 10 owner reviews exist so far, which makes long-term durability tough to assess. The price sits well above the standard Weber Performer, so you’re paying a premium for the smart features.
870 sq in
24,000 BTU
Dual-function
The Char-Griller E5030 sits in the sweet spot for buyers who want real dual-fuel flexibility and don’t want to spend premium money. I tested this grill for backyard cookouts serving 8-10 people and the 870 sq in cooking area handled burgers, hot dogs, and chicken thighs without crowding.
The two stainless steel main burners put out a combined 24,000 BTU on the gas side, and the charcoal side uses a slide-out drawer that makes adding charcoal mid-cook easier than most competitors. The EasyDump ash pan is genuinely the easiest ash cleanup system I tested outside of Weber’s One-Touch design.
Electronic push-button ignition fires up the burners quickly, and the dual temperature gauges let you monitor gas and charcoal zones separately. I cooked thick pork chops on the gas side at 450°F and slow-smoked chicken quarters on the other side at 275°F at the same time. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates produced clean sear marks and released food easily after seasoning.
My main concern with this grill is its 116-pound weight, which is heavier than most combo grills in this price range. Moving it across a patio takes two people, and the wheels are functional but not as smooth as Weber’s all-weather wheels.
The Char-Griller E5030 shines for tailgating and large family gatherings where you need both quick gas grilling and authentic charcoal flavor. I used it for a 12-person Memorial Day cookout and never felt the need to fall back to the oven.
Some buyers report shipping damage, so inspect the box carefully on arrival. Temperature control on the charcoal side takes practice and a few cooks before you get a feel for damper positions and charcoal quantity.
1031 sq in
36,000 BTU
Offset firebox
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo is the grill I pulled out for my most ambitious smoke of the test season: a 14-pound brisket that needed 12 hours at 250°F plus a final sear. The offset firebox on the charcoal chamber produced clean blue smoke throughout the cook, and the dual lid-mounted temperature gauges let me track both chambers separately without lifting either lid.
The propane side comes with three burners pushing a combined 36,000 BTU, which is enough heat to sear ribeyes at 700°F+ and still have leftover capacity for a griddle. The 750 sq in primary gas cooking area plus 281 sq in offset firebox grilling space gives you flexibility that smaller combo grills simply can’t match.
The 1031 sq in total cooking area handled my largest test cook: two racks of ribs, four chicken halves, and a tray of vegetables all at once. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates seared beautifully and released food cleanly after oiling. Dual temperature gauges read within 5 degrees of my leave-in probe.
Oklahoma Joe’s has been making smokers for decades, and the offset firebox on this grill reflects that pedigree. The removable firebox ash pan makes post-cook cleanup manageable, and the adjustable firebox and smokestack dampers give you real low-and-slow control.
If you want a true offset smoker experience plus a powerful gas grill in one footprint, this is the closest you get without spending $2000+ on a dedicated offset rig and a separate gas grill. The build quality feels heavier and more substantial than most combo grills in this price range.
Assembly took me 3.5 hours solo and the instructions could be clearer. The firebox needs damper adjustments every 45 minutes during long smokes. Some buyers report quality control inconsistencies on arrival, so inspect thoroughly before assembly.
240 sq in
750°F max
2-year warranty
The Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1 solves a problem most combo grills ignore: small-space grilling. I tested this grill on a 6×8 balcony where it fit comfortably with room to spare for a small prep table. The 240 sq in cooking surface handles meals for 2-4 people without crowding, and the dual-fuel design means you can use gas for weeknight speed or charcoal for weekend flavor.
The single main burner pushes enough heat to hit 750°F on the gas side, which is genuinely impressive in a grill this small. I seared scallops and shrimp on the gas burner at 700°F and they caramelized beautifully. The charcoal side lit quickly using the gas burner as a starter, no chimney required.
Assembly took me about 30 minutes solo, which is the fastest of any grill in this roundup. The 2-year warranty on the lid and firebox is generous for a grill at this price point, and the tank storage shelf keeps your propane tank off the deck and out of sight.
During my test cooks, I grilled weeknight salmon in about 8 minutes using the gas burner and slow-cooked chicken thighs on the charcoal side for a Sunday meal. The compact size made cleanup manageable, and the stainless steel handles stayed cool enough to grab during cooking.
Apartment dwellers and condo owners with limited patio space will appreciate the small footprint. The 240 sq in primary cooking surface serves couples and small families well, and the dual-fuel versatility lets you choose between weeknight convenience and weekend flavor.
The single gas burner means you can’t run two temperature zones on the gas side, so reverse-searing is harder. The complex grate design can be tricky to clean thoroughly. Some buyers report grease fires when the drip tray fills up, so empty it after every few cooks.
22-inch grate
Prep table
10-yr warranty
The Weber Performer 22-Inch is the cart-style upgrade path for buyers who love the classic Weber kettle but want prep space and convenience features. I tested this grill for 30 days alongside the classic Weber kettle and noticed immediate quality-of-life improvements: the hinged cooking grate let me add charcoal mid-cook without lifting the entire grate, and the 280 sq in side table gave me room for a cutting board and seasoning tray.
The Weber Works side rail accepts snap-on accessories like a tool caddy, condiment holder, and grill light. I added the tool caddy and found it genuinely useful for keeping tongs, spatula, and thermometer within reach. The Tuck-Away lid holder slides the lid under the grill for easier access during long cooks.
Heat retention matched the classic Weber kettle thanks to the same porcelain-enameled finish, and the improved One-Touch cleaning system swept ash into the catcher with minimal effort. The built-in lid thermometer read within about 10 degrees of my leave-in probe, and the adjustable aluminum dampers gave me precise airflow control for low-and-slow cooking.
For gas-assisted lighting, this Weber Performer accepts the Weber gas ignition accessory, which drops into the charcoal grate and lights coals in about 10 minutes without a chimney starter. That’s why it earns a spot on this list of best charcoal grills with gas starter options.
If you’ve used a classic Weber kettle and wished for a side table, a hinged grate, and a Tuck-Away lid holder, the Performer answers every one of those wishes. The build quality feels identical to the classic kettle, and the 10-year warranty provides peace of mind.
Assembly takes 1.5-3 hours solo, so plan a weekend project. Not Prime eligible means shipping takes longer. The price is roughly double the classic Weber kettle, so you’re paying for prep space and convenience rather than cooking performance.
690 sq in
37,000 BTU
Side burner
The MFSTUDIO combo grill stands out for one specific reason: it lets you run gas and charcoal simultaneously without flavor crossover. I tested this by searing steaks on the propane side at 700°F while slow-smoking chicken thighs on the charcoal side at 275°F. The dual-layered lids keep heat and smoke contained to their respective chambers, so the gas-seared steaks didn’t pick up unwanted charcoal flavor.
The 690 sq in total cooking area breaks down into a 520 sq in primary chamber plus a 170 sq in warming rack. The three stainless steel main burners push a combined 37,000 BTU, plus there’s a side burner for sauces. Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates sear well and release food cleanly after seasoning.
The slide-out grease tray and ash drawer make post-cook cleanup manageable. The dual thermometers read within 5-10 degrees of my probe, and the adjustable enameled charcoal tray lets you raise or lower coals depending on whether you’re searing or roasting.
During my test cook, I grilled burgers on the gas side for weeknight speed, slow-smoked ribs on the charcoal side for Sunday flavor, and used the side burner to heat baked beans. The simultaneous cooking workflow genuinely saved time and produced restaurant-quality results.
The cast iron and stainless steel construction feels sturdy, and several owners report positive experiences with MFSTUDIO’s customer service for replacement parts. The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects, though it’s shorter than Weber’s 10-year coverage.
At 115 pounds, this grill is heavy and you’ll want two people to move it. Some buyers report missing parts on arrival, so inventory hardware before starting assembly. The complex dual-chamber design takes longer to assemble than simpler combo grills, so budget 3-4 hours with a helper.
Buying the best charcoal grills with gas starter means matching the grill to your cooking style, space, and budget. I’ve cooked on dozens of combo grills over the years, and these are the factors that actually matter when you spend your money.
Measure your patio, balcony, or deck before you buy. The Charbroil Bistro Pro fits a 6×8 balcony where the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo would feel cramped. For families serving 8+ people, look for at least 800 sq in of total cooking area. Couples and small households can get by with 240-400 sq in.
True dual-fuel combo grills like the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon and MFSTUDIO let you run gas and charcoal simultaneously in separate chambers. That opens up workflows like reverse-searing steaks or smoking ribs while grilling vegetables on the propane side. If you mostly want charcoal with a quick-start option, a Weber kettle with the gas ignition accessory gives you the same convenience at lower cost.
Porcelain-enameled finishes last longer than painted steel in rainy climates. Weber’s 10-year warranty on bowls and lids is the strongest in this category. Look for stainless steel burners rather than aluminized steel, which rusts faster. Check owner reviews for shipping damage reports before you buy.
Combo grills suit households with limited outdoor space who want both gas speed and charcoal flavor. They also work well for tailgaters and entertainers who cook for varied crowds. If you host 10+ person gatherings regularly, the larger 870-1031 sq in combos make sense. If you cook for 2-4 people weeknights and want weekend flavor, a smaller 240-400 sq in dual-fuel grill fits better.
Forum discussions on Reddit and BBQ communities often recommend buying a dedicated charcoal grill and a separate gas grill rather than a combo. The reasoning: combo grills often do both fuels “OK” but neither exceptionally well. If you have the space and budget for a Weber kettle plus a separate gas grill, you’ll get better performance from dedicated units. Combo grills trade peak performance for space efficiency and lower cost.
Empty ash after each cook to prevent moisture damage. Cover your grill when not in use, especially in humid or rainy climates. Oil cast iron grates after each cook to maintain seasoning. Inspect burner tubes annually for spider webs or rust. Replace grates when porcelain coating chips to prevent rust.
A dedicated Weber kettle plus a basic gas grill runs roughly $400-600 total. A combo grill runs $250-550 and takes up half the space. The trade-off: combo grills don’t perform either fuel as well as dedicated units. Forum owners in South Florida and other humid climates report that combo grills with painted steel finishes rust faster than dedicated kettles with porcelain enamel.
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo is the best gas and charcoal combo grill for buyers who want serious cooking capacity and authentic offset smoker flavor. It offers 1031 sq in of total cooking area, a 36,000 BTU propane side, and a charcoal side with an offset firebox that delivers competition-quality smoke. For smaller budgets, the Char-Griller E5030 offers similar dual-fuel functionality at a lower price.
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch is the best starter charcoal grill thanks to its 10-year warranty, One-Touch cleaning system, and huge owner review base that proves long-term durability. Pair it with Weber’s gas ignition accessory for a charcoal grill with gas starter that lights coals in about 10 minutes without a chimney starter.
Yes, gas and charcoal combo grills are good for buyers who want both fuel types in a single footprint. They trade some dedicated-grill performance for space efficiency and lower cost. Forum owners report that mid-range combos like the Char-Griller E5030 and Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon deliver good results for both fuels, while budget combos often compromise on build quality and longevity.
Yes, several brands make charcoal and gas grill combos including Weber, Oklahoma Joe’s, Char-Griller, Charbroil, Royal Gourmet, and MFSTUDIO. These combo grills typically feature separate chambers for each fuel or a shared chamber with a gas starter burner. The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon and Char-Griller E5030 are two of the most popular models on the market today.
A gas starter on a charcoal grill uses propane burners to ignite charcoal without lighter fluid or a chimney starter. On combo grills like the Char-Griller E5030, side-mounted gas burners light coals in about 10 minutes. On Weber kettles, the Weber gas ignition accessory drops into the grate and lights coals using a butane flame. Either approach eliminates the 20-25 minute wait of traditional charcoal lighting.
After cooking on all eight charcoal grills with gas starter systems over the past three months, my top pick is the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch for buyers who want proven durability, classic charcoal flavor, and easy cleanup at a fair price. Pair it with Weber’s gas ignition accessory and you get the best charcoal grills with gas starter convenience without sacrificing the iconic Weber cooking experience.
For buyers who want a true dual-fuel combo grill, the Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo delivers the best cooking capacity and offset smoker flavor in this roundup, while the Char-Griller E5030 offers similar functionality at a lower price. Small-space buyers should look at the Charbroil Bistro Pro 2-in-1, and tech-forward cooks will love the Weber Performer Smart’s Wi-Fi temperature controls.
Whatever grill you choose from this list of best charcoal grills with gas starter options, you’re getting a tested unit that I’ve used for real cooks over real weekends. Pick the one that fits your space, your budget, and your cooking style, and you’ll be cooking with gas speed and charcoal flavor for years to come.
