10 Best Hybrid Grills – Benefits of Several Grills Packed in One

We looked into what makes hybrid grills tick and, with that information, compiled a list of the best options you can get for your backyard cookouts.
By
Jeremy Bivens
Jeremy Bivens
Research Writer
Jeremy Bivens is a passionate writer and grilling enthusiast. He's been working as a freelance journalist for over 15 years now and has a particular interest in food writing read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Claims that grilling is the art that he has been learning all his life long and is not planning to stop. Has been grilling for as long as he can remember. Author of numerous read more
Last updated: August 17, 2023
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  • Jan 08, 2023: The review was published.
  • Feb 09, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Propane and Charcoal Hybrid Grill to position no. 7.
  • Feb 09, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill to position no. 8.
  • Feb 09, 2023: We reconsidered the ranking and moved the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate Smoking Grill to position no. 9.
  • Feb 09, 2023: The Char-Griller 5050 Duo was discontinued/became unavailable for purchase, so we moved it to position no. 10.

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.

Quick Summary

Top 10 Hybrid Grills Review 2024

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Editor's Choice

Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP

Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 1200 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 2
  • BTU: 40,000
  • Dimensions: 25.5 x 78.63 x 52.5 in.

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.

    Why are we impressed?
  • We definitely liked the adjustable pan. This is in addition to the access door, and slide-out ashtray that make the charcoal grill compartment easier to operate and use. The gas grill is just as impressive, with a heat output of more than 40,000 BTU. It'll also be hard to mess up your temperature control with thermometers incorporated on both the charcoal and gas sides.
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • While we loved a lot of what the Fire Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP has to offer, the pricing is less than ideal. It’s pricey enough to make many potential buyers pause and reconsider. Also, the design may not be the best use of space. As you can see, it’s divided into the gas and charcoal section. If the manufacturer could somehow find a way to incorporate these two components in one section, the machine could be more compact and transportable without losing its functionality. However, it’s still an amazing device as it is.
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Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 1,200 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 2
  • BTU: 40,000
  • Dimensions: 78.6 x 25.5 x 52.5 in.  

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.

    What makes it special?
  • Similar to the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill, we feel the Coyote Centaur C1HY50NG Dual Fuel Grill has some impressive aesthetics. Furthermore, the extra storage space provided by the drawers is welcome and can help you store some cooking supplies. Also, the charcoal tray's height is adjustable, which works in conjunction with the dampers that control airflow and the heat on the charcoal side of the grill. Finally, you can continue grilling well into the night without having to use a torch with the incorporated lights.
    What cons did we find?
  • For the features and functionality, we feel the Coyote Centaur C1HY50NG Dual Fuel Grill is a bit higher priced than it needs to be. This, of course, means that more potential users will opt to pick cheaper alternatives. Also, the wheels are a great addition since then you can move it out of the rain and into the garage. However, with the product being so bulky, many people simply don’t have enough space in their garages for storage.
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9.0
3
Best Compact Hybrid Grill

MHP WHRG4DD Hybrid Propane Gas Grill

Features
  • Type: Infrared burner
  • Total cooking area: 574 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 48,000
  • Dimensions: 57 x 22.75 x 47.13 in.

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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • In our opinion, the MHP WHRG4DD Hybrid Propane Gas Grill’s thick cast aluminum exterior is one of the best in the market. It can take a beating and is resistant to rust. Also, with the multiple cooking zones, you can cut down cooking times by attempting different recipes simultaneously. Lastly, the reversible cooking grate is a nice touch. One side of the grate leaves great-looking sear marks on the food, and the other keeps the smaller food pieces from falling through the spaces.
    What could be better?
  • We feel the price is relatively high for such a small hybrid grill. In fact, the cost is about twice as expensive as the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill, which has almost the same size cooking surface. As such, it’s hard to see the value for money in this purchase. However, some of the cost difference may be due to the reinforced construction or the infrared burner, which uses more advanced technology than the charcoal grill provided with the editor’s choice.
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Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 579 + 169 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 25,500
  • Dimensions: 64.17 x 27.86 x 45.28 in.

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.

    What are our favorite features?
  • We loved the versatility of the Gourmet ZH3002SN. It is just large enough for a not-so-small gathering of people, and you can do more than grill. We also loved that it is easy to clean, thanks to the ash and grease management systems. You can also easily control the temperature, and the ignition is automatic.
    What could be better?
  • In our assessment, we found that this grill is not easy to put together, and the directions were difficult to follow. Also, seeing as it is iron, it needs more care to avoid rust, especially on the bottom of the gas side.
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5
Best Hybrid Grill for The Average Household

Char-Broil Deluxe 1010

Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 505 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 36,000 + 12,000
  • Dimensions: 24.25 x 66.75 x 48 in.

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.

    Why is it special?
  • In our opinion, the charcoal side is very impressive. For one, it’s effortless to crank the charcoal grate up and down to adjust the heat. Additionally, the slide-out ash pan makes maintenance easier and more manageable after using the grill. Another positive is the double-door cabinet that provides space for things like a propane tank or cooking supplies. This brings us to the useful side burner that can also be covered to provide some preparation space near your cooking area.
    What are the flaws?
  • There are a couple of things that could be better, e.g., the construction, especially on the lower side of the grill. We noticed the metal dents easily, and therefore you don’t want to be careless with it. However, if it’s mishandled during shipping, it’s likely the product will arrive damaged in one way or another. It also proved problematic to assemble, a sentiment shared by other users who’ve had to put together the grill.
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8.5
Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 557 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 24,000
  • Dimensions: 64 x 28 x 49.75 in.

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.

    Why is it special?
  • In our opinion, the minimalistic design of the Blossomz GBC1793W Charcoal/Gas Grill is great, and as a bonus, it helps bring the cost of the device down. Consequently, you can get it for a lot cheaper than most other alternatives listed. The large warming racks on both sides are helpful but can also work as side tables to help prepare your recipes. Lastly, we loved the integrated ignition and burner controls that come with rubber grips.
    What are the flaws?
  • Although it’s reasonably simplistic once assembled, it comes with many unassembled components in the box that you have to put together. Furthermore, the assembly instructions are not easy to understand. As such, it’ll take you at least a few hours to complete the assembly. Also, it’s one of the lowest-rated in terms of heat output on the gas grill. Lastly, we didn’t like the fact that there’s no cabinet enclosure for your propane tank. What you get instead is an open shelf.
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Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 420 + 120 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 40,000 + 12,000
  • Dimensions: 24.6 x 52.5 x 47.5 in.

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.

    What are its best features?
  • We liked the balance between overall size, cooking space, heat, charcoal and gas integration, and more. It seems the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill is a perfect fit for the demographic it was intended for. Also, the transition from gas to charcoal and vice versa couldn’t be more seamless. However, when transitioning back to gas, you might need something to hold the hot charcoal tray. Lastly, it’s been designed durably with both ease of use and maintenance, especially in terms of cleaning, in mind.
    What could be improved?
  • The first major annoyance we noticed is you can’t adjust the height of the grate or the charcoal tray upwards or downwards. As such, if you usually use this technique to control the heat reaching your food, then you’re out of luck. There’s also no dedicated way to deal with the grease that falls off the food while cooking with gas. One workaround we tried was to use the charcoal tray without adding any charcoal. Also, the charcoal tray doesn’t hold a lot of charcoal, and if your recipe needs it, you might spend a lot of time refilling the coal.
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8.1
8
Best Hybrid Infrared Gas Grill

ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill

Features
  • Type: Infrared burner
  • Total cooking area: 966 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 6
  • BTU: 98,000
  • Dimensions: 48 x 24.5 x 10 in.

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.

    What do we love it for?
  • In our opinion, it’s hard to match the aesthetics and exterior outlook of the ProFire PFDLX48GIH-N Infrared Hybrid Grill, and it’s bound to get a few oohs and aahs from your friends. The interior of this hybrid grill is just as impressive with the closely spaced grill and separate grilling zones that could even come with an included rotisserie for some extra money. The cooking area is also sufficiently large, although you could also get it in smaller variations as well.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • It is unfortunate that the rotisserie attachment and rear burner costs close to $500 more in a device that’s already pretty expensive. Also, while it does provide a reasonably impressive alternative to charcoal grilling, we felt it doesn’t give the smoky flavor that makes charcoal grills so good. However, it has a stainless steel smoker tray that can work as an alternative and give your recipes some interesting smoked flavors.
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8.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
7.6
Brand Reputation
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7.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
7.5
8.0
Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 2,167 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 36,000
  • Dimensions: 48.5 x 30 x 23 in. 

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.

    What are its best features?
  • The design and inclusion of multiple features are easy to love. We noticed you can easily tackle charcoal grilling, gas grilling, and cold smoking with this hybrid. Additionally, the cooking surface works for large events, although you retain the option of using just one of those surfaces if the situation dictates it. Lastly, we loved the control you get over the machine, from adjusting the charcoal basket to controlling airflow and other aspects that would give you varied results in your recipes.
    What could be improved?
  • While the device is pretty advanced and easy to love, we found the quality of components to be wanting. They’re not rust-proof, meaning that over time you’ll have to look into repairs. The same is true for the electric components, which might not last long, therefore limiting functionality. It’s affordable especially compared to the other grills on the list, but the limited durability of components means it just might not be worth the money for some.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4467 people in the past 30 days
8.3
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Customer Feedback
7.8
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Based onweb analytics
7.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.0
8.3
Features
  • Type: dual fuel
  • Total cooking area: 690 sq.in.
  • Number of burners: 3
  • BTU: 37,000
  • Dimensions: ‎23 x 61 x 46 in.

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.

    Why did it make our list?
  • The ample grilling space is what we like to see in a grill meant to cater for large gatherings. Also, while you can’t lower the charcoal, you can raise the cooking grate, which has a similar effect. However, just to be sure you’re reducing the cooking temperature, a temperature gauge is incorporated. Another thermometer is added to the gas side as well. Lastly, the electronic ignition performed quite reliably in our tests as well.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • We disliked the number of separate components packed into the box. The manufacturer could make the assembly a lot easier by shipping some of the parts pre-assembled. Also, this hybrid grill is prone to rust even with careful cleaning and maintenance. Finally, if you want a grill that’s easy to transport around, this option is not likely to please you. It’s heavy, oversized, and problematic to move even with the wheels included.

Things to Consider

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.

What is a Hybrid BBQ Grill?

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.

Types of Hybrid BBQ Grills

10 Best Hybrid Grills - Benefits of Several Grills Packed in One
The two types of hybrid grills are: dual fuel and infrared gas grill

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.

Benefits of Hybrid Grills

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.

How to Pick the Best Hybrid Grill

For reliable tips on picking the best hybrid outdoor grills, keep reading.

Ignition

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.

Total Cooking Area

10 Best Hybrid Grills - Benefits of Several Grills Packed in One
The required cooking area is mainly determined by the number of people you are going to cook for

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.

Design and Construction

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.

Number of Burners

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.

10 Best Hybrid Grills - Benefits of Several Grills Packed in One
Each burner of your grill is controlled with a dedicated control knob

BTUs

Information by the Energy Information Administration Trusted Source British thermal units (Btu) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 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.

Portability

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.

10 Best Hybrid Grills - Benefits of Several Grills Packed in One
Most of the modern grills are equipped with casters for better portability

Dimensions and weight

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.

Warranty

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

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.

Other features

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.

FAQ

How do you use a hybrid grill?

How you use each hybrid grill will depend on the make and model. That said, most options have built-in ignition systems for their gas or infrared sections. Consequently, using the grill could be as simple as connecting a fuel tank using the provided hose and then turning the knobs on the front of the grill.

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.

Is it possible to use gas and charcoal at the same time?

For a lot of these hybrid grills, especially the ones with different gas and charcoal sections, there’s no problem with using both fuel types simultaneously. For models that incorporate both the charcoal and gas under the same grate like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 3-Burner Hybrid Grill, you’re better off using one at a time.

How long do hybrid grills last on average?

The average lifespan for a hybrid grill in an American household is three years. After that, it’s thrown out, and the owners are back in the market for a new one. This is why it’s essential to pick a durable and well-constructed option. That way you can enjoy it for longer than five years.

Our verdict

Our exploration into the world of hybrid grills has unveiled a selection that brilliantly merges the convenience of gas with the authentic flavor of charcoal. These top picks stand out for their versatility, durability, and innovative features that cater to a diverse range of grilling styles and preferences. Whether you’re hosting a large backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet meal outdoors, these grills offer the flexibility to switch between fuel types effortlessly. For grill enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in culinary versatility without compromising on taste or convenience, choosing from the best hybrid grills is a clear path to gastronomic delight.

References

1.
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.
2.
The United States of Barbecue - America
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.
3.
British thermal units (Btu) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
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).
9,6
Total Score
Coyote Centaur C1HY50LP - Editor's Choice
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