Dual Gas and Charcoal Grills: Alternatives to Backyard Grill
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If you searched for a Backyard Grill dual gas charcoal grill, here is the honest starting point: none of the four combo grills in this guide are made by Backyard Grill. They come from Royal Gourmet, Sophia & William and ROVSUN, and we picked them because they do the same job a shopper looking for that grill wants done, which is to give you both a propane gas side and a charcoal side in one unit. A dual fuel grill like this lets you fire up gas for a fast weeknight dinner and switch to charcoal on the weekend for that smoky flavor, without buying and storing two separate grills.
The four differ mostly in size and extras: the Royal Gourmet is a straightforward side-by-side combo, the first Sophia & William adds a side burner, the second Sophia & William adds an offset smoker, and the ROVSUN swaps the gas grill for a flat top griddle in a smaller, portable frame.
Dual Gas and Charcoal Grill Combos Compared
| Model | Total Cooking Area | Gas Side | Extras | Size and Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N | 759 sq. in. | 2 burners (listed at 10,000 BTU) | Warming rack, two side shelves | 64.17 x 64.17 x 45.28 inches as listed; weight not listed |
| Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas | 690 sq. in. | 3 main burners, 11 kW listed | Side burner, warming rack | 23 x 61 x 46 inches, 105 lbs |
| Sophia & William 3-Burner with Offset Smoker | 840 sq. in. | 3 burners, 30,000 BTU total | Offset smoker, 3-level charcoal pan | 22.6 x 66.7 x 49.2 inches, 132 lbs |
| ROVSUN 2-in-1 Propane Gas Grill | 324 sq. in. | Griddle, 1 burner, 12,000 BTU | Electronic ignition, folding legs | 13.5 x 54 x 38 inches; weight not listed |
Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Combo for Everyday Family Cooking
Royal Gourmet
Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas
Best for: Families wanting a simple side-by-side combo
Pros
- 759 sq. in. total cooking area
- Stainless steel lid and burners
- Lockable casters and side shelves
Cons
- Burner count conflicts in listing
- No side burner
The Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo puts a charcoal grill and a two-burner gas grill side by side under separate lids. Its total cooking area is 759 square inches: 592 on the main cooking grates plus a 167 square inch warming rack, which is a raised shelf that keeps food warm or toasts buns without direct flame. The listing says you can cook around 30 burgers at the same time.
It has two side shelves for plates and seasoning, with three hooks on each side for tools. Two 6-inch wheels and two 3-inch lockable casters help you roll it around the patio and lock it in place. Cleanup is split by side: a slide-out ash tray on the charcoal side and a large grease cup and tray on the gas side. The description says the lid, warming rack, control panel and burners are stainless steel, and the specs mention a built-in thermometer, an adjustable air vent and an enclosed cabinet.
Some specs do not line up. The title says two burners while the spec sheet lists a main burner count of 3, the heating power is given as 10,000 BTU, and the dimensions (64.17 inches deep and wide) look like a data error for a side-by-side grill. This model suits a family that wants a no-frills, large two-in-one grill; if you want a side burner or a smoker, the Sophia & William models are a better match.
Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo with Side Burner for Complete Meals
Sophia & William
Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas
Best for: Aspiring pitmasters wanting smoking plus grilling
Pros
- Offset smoker firebox
- 840 sq. in. total cooking area
- 3-level adjustable charcoal pan
- 30,000 BTU gas side
Cons
- Heaviest here at 132 pounds
- Largest footprint
Best for: Cooks who want a side burner too
Pros
- Side burner for sauces
- Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
- Hose and regulator included
Cons
- Heavy at 105 lbs
- Propane tank not included
The Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo with Side Burner adds something the Royal Gourmet does not: a side burner, which is a small stovetop-style burner on the side shelf for heating a pot of beans, a pan of sauce or corn on the cob while you grill. The spec sheet lists three main burners and one side burner, with heating power given as 11 kW.
Its cooking grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron. Cast iron holds heat well for good sear marks, and the porcelain enamel coating helps prevent rust and makes cleanup easier. The total cooking space is 690 square inches: 520 on the main grates plus 170 on a stainless steel warming rack. It has a full-size push-out ash tray, a slide-out grease tray with a grease cup, locking casters, and a cabinet. It measures 23 x 61 x 46 inches, weighs 105 lbs, and has 10 inches of height under the closed lid. It works with a standard 20 lb propane tank, which is not included; the hose and regulator are.
This fits someone who likes to cook entire meals outdoors. Its main area is a little smaller than the Royal Gourmet’s, and if smoking meat is on your wish list, the next model is the one to look at. If you mostly want three gas burners and can skip charcoal, see our guide to the three burner grill category.
Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Combo with Offset Smoker for Low and Slow Barbecue
The Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker is a three-in-one: a gas grill, a charcoal grill and an attached offset smoker. An offset smoker is a small side firebox where you burn charcoal or wood; heat and smoke flow sideways across the meat in the main chamber, cooking it slowly and giving it deep smoke flavor. The listing says the firebox also works as an extra small charcoal grill and has a side access door for adding fuel.
With 840 square inches in total, it is the biggest grill here: 568 square inches of main surface, a 131 square inch warming rack and 141 square inches in the smoker. The gas side has three stainless steel burners delivering 30,000 BTU in total (BTU measures heat output). On the charcoal side, a 3-level adjustable charcoal pan lets you raise the coals for hot searing or lower them for slow, indirect cooking. Grates are porcelain-enameled cast iron, and there is a full-size removable ash tray plus a slide-out grease tray. It measures 22.6 x 66.7 x 49.2 inches and weighs 132 pounds.
This is the pick for a first-time griller who wants to grow into smoking ribs and brisket, or a gift for someone who already loves barbecue. It is the heaviest and widest option, so measure your patio first. If you only want quick grilling, the side-burner model or the Royal Gourmet is simpler.
ROVSUN 2-in-1 Propane Gas Griddle and Charcoal Grill for Camping and Small Spaces
Rovsun
ROVSUN 2-in-1 Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo with Lid, 12000BTU Flat Top Griddle & Charcoal BBQ Grill with Electronic Ignition, Enamel Griddle & Grate for Outdoor Backyard Cooking Barbecue
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
ROVSUN 2-in-1 Propane Gas Grill
Best for: Campers, tailgaters and small patios
Pros
- Gas griddle plus charcoal grill
- Quick-fold legs and wheels
- Electronic ignition
Cons
- Smallest cooking area
- Single 12,000 BTU burner
The ROVSUN 2-in-1 Propane Gas Grill and Charcoal Grill Combo takes a different approach. Instead of a gas grill with grates, its gas side is a flat top griddle: a solid metal cooking plate that is great for pancakes, eggs, smash burgers, onions and toasting buns. The other side is a charcoal grill. The gas burner is rated at 12,000 BTU and uses electronic ignition, meaning a push-button spark lights it.
The griddle gives you 189 square inches and the charcoal grill 135 square inches, for 324 square inches in total. The charcoal side has an adjustable vent system for controlling temperature, the gas side has sloped grease channels and a removable drip tray, and the charcoal side has a pull-out ash drawer. It has quick-fold legs and wheels, and measures 13.5 x 54 x 38 inches. The listing does not specify the weight.
This suits campers, tailgaters, apartment patios and anyone who wants a griddle more than a second grill. It is much smaller than the other three, so it is not the right pick for big backyard parties. For more compact options, our portable grill guide may help.
How to Choose the Right Dual Gas and Charcoal Grill
How many people you cook for. For regular crowds, the 840 square inch Sophia & William with smoker or the 759 square inch Royal Gourmet has the room. For a couple or small family, the 690 square inch side-burner model is plenty, and the 324 square inch ROVSUN works for small groups.
Extras that matter to you. Want a burner for side dishes: pick the Sophia & William with side burner. Want to smoke meat: pick the model with the offset smoker. Want a griddle for breakfasts and smash burgers: pick the ROVSUN.
Space and moving it. The smoker combo is 132 pounds and over 66 inches wide, and the side-burner model is 105 lbs. The ROVSUN folds its legs for travel. Check where the grill will live before buying.
Propane setup. The Sophia & William side-burner listing states it uses a standard 20 lb propane tank that is not included. Plan on buying or exchanging a tank before the first cookout, whichever model you choose.
FAQ
Are these grills made by Backyard Grill?
No. They are made by Royal Gourmet, Sophia & William and ROVSUN. They are included as alternatives that offer the same dual gas and charcoal setup.
What is a dual fuel grill?
It is a grill that can cook with two fuels, here propane gas and charcoal. Gas lights quickly and is easy to control, while charcoal adds smoky flavor.
Can I use the gas and charcoal sides at the same time?
The ROVSUN listing says you can switch or use both at once. The other listings describe separate gas and charcoal sections side by side but do not spell this out.
Which combo grill has a smoker?
Only the Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Offset Smoker, with a 141 square inch smoker firebox.
Is a propane tank included?
The Sophia & William side-burner model says the 20 lb tank is not included but the hose and regulator are. The other listings do not specify, so plan to supply your own tank.
Which dual fuel grill should a beginner buy?
For a first combo grill, the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N is the simplest large option. Beginners who expect to try smoking should go for the offset smoker model, and those with little space should choose the ROVSUN.
