5 Best Char Griller Dual Fuel Grill of 2026 for Backyard Versatility

The Char-Griller E5030 is a dual-function grill that combines a propane gas side with a charcoal cooking chamber, giving you the best of both worlds in one package. With 24,000 BTUs from two stainless steel burners and 870 square inches of total cooking space, this grill is built for backyard cooks who want flexibility. You can fire up the gas for a quick sear on steaks or burgers, then use the charcoal side for low-and-slow smoking of ribs or brisket. It's a practical choice for anyone who loves outdoor cooking but doesn't have room for two separate grills.

This grill is best suited for backyard grillers, BBQ enthusiasts, and patio cooks who like to entertain. If you're the type who hosts weekend cookouts or tailgates, the dual-fuel setup means you can handle everything from hot dogs to smoked chicken without switching equipment. It's also a solid option for RV owners or campers who want a versatile cooking rig at their campsite, though the 116-pound weight makes it more of a permanent patio fixture than a portable one.

In terms of real-world cooking performance, the gas side heats up fast and holds steady temperatures thanks to the two independent burners. You can sear a steak on one side while gently cooking veggies on the other. The charcoal side takes a bit longer to get going, but once it's lit, the triple-wall steel insulation helps maintain consistent heat for hours. Smoke flavor comes through nicely when you use charcoal, and you can add wood chunks for extra depth. The porcelain-coated cast iron grates retain heat well and leave beautiful sear marks on meat.

Build quality is solid for the price point. The lid is made from heavy-gauge steel with a powder-coated finish that resists rust, and the triple-wall construction helps with heat retention. The grates feel durable and should last several seasons with proper care. The grill sits on two fixed wheels and two swivel casters, so rolling it around a flat patio is manageable, but it's not something you'll want to move frequently. Assembly takes a couple of hours and is easier with a second person to hold parts in place.

Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the easy-dump ash pan on the charcoal side. You just pull it out and dump the ashes into a metal container. The gas side has a standard grease tray that catches drips and is easy to remove and wash. The side shelf gives you extra prep space and includes utensil hooks, which is handy when you're juggling multiple dishes. One limitation is that the side fire box for true offset smoking is sold separately, so if you want that extra smoky flavor, you'll need to buy it as an add-on.

Overall, the Char-Griller E5030 is a practical and versatile grill for anyone who wants the convenience of gas and the flavor of charcoal without taking up twice the space. It's ideal for backyard entertaining, weekend BBQs, and even tailgating if you have a way to transport it. The build is solid, the cooking performance is reliable, and the dual-fuel flexibility makes it a smart buy for outdoor cooking enthusiasts who like to experiment with different techniques.

The Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus is a 3-in-1 outdoor cooking station that brings together gas grilling, charcoal grilling, and a flat-top griddle. It’s designed for backyard cooks who want maximum flexibility without crowding their patio with multiple units. You can fire up the gas side for a quick midweek dinner, then load the charcoal side for a weekend slow-smoked brisket. Add the optional side fire box (sold separately) and you’ve got a Texas-style offset smoker.

This rig is best suited for grill enthusiasts who love to experiment. It works great for backyard parties, tailgating (if you have a truck or trailer to move it), and patio cooking. The griddle insert opens up breakfast and stir-fry possibilities, making it a true all-in-one solution. Just keep in mind that this is a stationary grill, not a portable camping stove.

Cooking performance is solid. The gas side heats up fast with three stainless steel burners producing 30,000 BTUs. You get even heat across the grates, and the cast iron grates retain heat well for good sear marks. The charcoal side lets you control temperature with an adjustable tray and dual dampers, so you can dial in the perfect smokiness for ribs or chicken. The included griddle heats evenly and is pre-seasoned, so it’s ready to go out of the box.

Build quality is a mixed bag. The grill feels sturdy once assembled, but the sheet metal on both cooking chambers is thin. One reviewer noted rust under the paint before assembly, which raises concerns about long-term durability. The cast iron grates are heavy and durable, but the overall frame and lid feel less robust than some premium brands. The grill is also very heavy at 170 pounds, so you won’t be moving it around easily. Assembly is a headache — instructions are vague and lack detail, so plan on spending a few hours with a screwdriver and some patience.

Cleanup is manageable thanks to the EasyDump ash pan on the charcoal side and the front-access grease cup on the gas side. The griddle is removable and easy to wipe down. You’ll want to keep the grates seasoned and watch for early signs of rust on the painted surfaces.

Overall, the Char-Griller Flex Fuel Plus offers great versatility for the price. If you value having multiple cooking methods in one package and don’t mind a challenging assembly, this grill will serve you well for backyard entertaining. Just be prepared to give it some TLC to prevent rust and make sure the charcoal lid closes properly. For grillers who want a dedicated smoker or a purely portable unit, look elsewhere. But for the weekend cook who enjoys both fast grilling and low-and-slow, this is a solid choice.

The gas side fires up quickly with electronic ignition and delivers consistent heat across the cooking grates. The three burners allow for zone cooking, so you can sear steaks on high while keeping vegetables on low. The cast iron grates hold heat well and produce nice sear marks.

The charcoal side offers excellent temperature control via the adjustable tray and dual dampers. You can run it hot for direct grilling or dial it down for low-and-slow smoking. The griddle insert works great for breakfast foods, grilled cheese, and stir-fries. It heats evenly and is easy to season.

For smoking, you’ll want to add the optional side fire box (not included). The grill itself can handle some indirect cooking, but true offset smoking requires the attachment. Overall, cooking flexibility is the big win here. You can switch from gas to charcoal to griddle in minutes, making it easy to tackle any meal.

The Char-Griller Texas Trio is a hybrid grill that combines gas convenience, charcoal flavor, and offset smoking in one heavy-duty unit. It's designed for backyard grillers and BBQ enthusiasts who want the flexibility to sear steaks over propane on a weeknight and then slow-smoke a brisket over charcoal on the weekend. With 1,390 square inches of total cooking space, it can easily handle burgers for a crowd or a full rack of ribs on the smoker side.

In real-world cooking, the gas side heats up quickly thanks to three stainless steel burners pushing 40,800 BTUs. You'll get a solid sear on steaks and chops, though you may notice some hot spots near the center. Rotating food helps. The charcoal side, paired with the side firebox, lets you do low-and-slow smoking. You'll need to manage the fire and airflow, but the dual temperature gauges give you a decent read on each chamber. Expect rich, smoky flavor for ribs, pork shoulder, or chicken.

Build quality is typical for Char-Griller: a sturdy steel body with cast iron cooking grates that hold heat well. The unit is heavy at 202 pounds, so it's not portable for camping or tailgating. It's best left on a patio or in a backyard. The EasyDump ash pan is a nice touch for charcoal cleanup, though you'll still need to scrape grease from the gas side. The push-button ignition works reliably, but the grill requires some assembly—plan for an afternoon with a friend.

Storage is decent with a large underneath shelf for tools and sauces. The side burner adds extra convenience for heating sides or sauces. Weather resistance is average; consider a cover to protect it from rain and rust. Overall, the Texas Trio is a practical choice for outdoor entertainers who want one grill that does it all—gas grilling, charcoal smoking, and offset BBQ—without needing separate units.

Limitations include its weight and size, which make it unsuitable for small patios or mobile use. Also, mastering the smoker side takes practice; you'll need to monitor fuel and airflow closely. But for backyard cooks who enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods, this grill offers good value and versatility.

The Texas Trio delivers solid cooking performance across all three methods. On the gas side, the three burners provide even heat for searing steaks and cooking burgers, though you may need to rotate food to avoid hot spots. The charcoal side, when used with the side firebox, excels at low-and-slow smoking. You can maintain temperatures between 225°F and 275°F with careful damper adjustments, producing tender, smoky meats. The cast iron grates retain heat well and leave nice sear marks. For fast grilling, the gas side is ready in about 10 minutes; for smoking, expect 20-30 minutes to stabilize the fire.

Dual temperature gauges on the main chamber and side firebox give you a general idea of the heat, but they measure at the lid level, not the grate. For more precise control, especially during smoking, an external probe thermometer is recommended. The gas side has individual burner knobs that let you adjust heat zones. The charcoal side relies on airflow from the side firebox damper and the chimney. With practice, you can hold steady temps for hours, but it takes attention. The push-button ignition is convenient for the gas side, while the charcoal side requires a chimney starter or lighter.