Dual fuel smokers blend charcoal or gas flexibility with cleaner, easier heat management. This article highlights five top options that deliver rich smoke flavor and versatile cooking controls, whether you’re slow-smoking ribs or grilling sides. Each option offers a distinct approach to dual fuel or hybrid smoking, giving you choices for backyard smoke sessions, tailgates, or weekend cookouts.
Summary of selected products:
- Grills House 2-Burner Gas And Charcoal Grill Combo With Offset Smoker & Side Burner (1020 Sq. In. Cooking Area)
- Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas And Charcoal Combination Grill And Smoker (870 Sq. In.)
- Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal And Gas Smoker & Grill (Black)
- Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker (4 Removable Racks, 785 Sq. In.)
- Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Vertical BBQ Smoker (710 Sq. In.)
Grills House Dual Fuel Grill With Offset Smoker
The Grills House 2-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo combines gas grilling with an integrated offset smoker for authentic barbecue flavor. The unit features a total of 1020 square inches of cooking space, including primary, warming, and offset sections. Its dual-fuel design makes it possible to sear over gas heat and slow-smoke at charcoal temperatures, all in one compact footprint. A side burner adds versatility for sauces and sides, while a rear chimney-style vent helps maintain consistent smoke. This setup is ideal for cooks who want quick ignition and smoky flavor without constant charcoal attention.
Char-Griller Dual-Function 2-Burner Gas & Charcoal Grill
Char-Griller’s E5030 model is a true dual-function system with two main burners and an integrated charcoal zone. It delivers 870 square inches of cooking space, giving you ample room to sear on the gas side and slow-smoke on the charcoal side. The dual-fuel configuration allows precise temperature control across zones, making it practical for rib roasts, pulled pork, or day-long sessions. The grill is designed for versatility with a lot of cooking flexibility in a single unit, including an attached indirect-smoke capability that helps maintain steady temperatures for longer cooks.
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Charcoal & Gas Smoker & Grill
The Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon blends a horizontal charcoal smoker with a side-gas grill, delivering a broad cooking footprint of 750 square inches on the charcoal side plus a separate gas grilling zone. The design supports low-and-slow smoking with indirect heat and provides quick-propane ignition for faster weeknight meals. This dual-fuel setup offers the flavor depth of charcoal and the convenience of gas, along with a dedicated warming area and tool hooks for practical outdoor cooking experiences. It’s well-suited for gatherings where versatility matters as much as flavor.
Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker
The Cuisinart 36” Vertical Propane Smoker provides 785 square inches of vertical cooking space across four chrome-steel racks. Fueled by a 15,000 BTU propane burner, this model emphasizes even heat distribution and straightforward temperature control with a built-in gauge. While not a conventional dual-fuel unit, its propane-based design remains popular for reliable electric-free smoking, offering rapid setup, easy fuel management, and simple cleanup with removable racks and a water tray for moisture retention during long cooks.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Vertical Smoker
The Masterbuilt MB20070421 is an electric vertical smoker with 710 square inches of cooking space and digital controls for time and temperature up to 275°F. It features a patented side woodchip loader that allows continuous smoke addition without opening the door, helping to maintain smoke integrity during long cooks. While it operates on electricity rather than a fuel like charcoal or propane, its low-friction control and built-in loader contribute to consistent, smoke-rich results that complement other dual-fuel options in the lineup.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Fuel flexibility: If you want true dual-fuel operation, prioritize grills with separate charcoal and gas zones or dedicated secondary fuel options. Consider how you plan to access heat, manage smoke, and layer flavors.
- Cooking space: Look at total square inches and how space is allocated (primary grilling area, smoking chamber, warming racks, and offset smokers). A larger footprint accommodates bigger cuts and more simultaneous dishes.
- Heat control: Dual-fuel units benefit from precise temperature control and zoning. Check for dual burners, dampers, vents, and built-in thermometers or meat probes to track doneness without opening doors.
- Smoke management: For charcoal or wood-chip use, freedom to add fuel without losing heat is a major advantage. Side loaders and accessible chip ports help maintain steady smoke levels.
- Ease of cleaning: Removable racks, ash management, and dishwasher-safe components reduce maintenance time after cooks, especially on longer smoking sessions.
- Portability and footprint: If you have limited outdoor space or frequent tailgating, ensure the unit’s dimensions fit your area and that it’s reasonably movable when needed.
- Durability and materials: Stainless steel and heavy-gauge construction contribute to longer life and better heat retention. Chassis design should support even heat distribution across zones.
- Assembly and warranty: Consider how easy the unit is to assemble and what warranty coverage is offered, especially for dual-fuel integrations where components may wear differently.
Overall, selecting a dual fuel smoker involves balancing flavor goals with practical cooking needs. If you prioritize hands-off operation, electric models provide consistent results; if authentic smoky flavor and charcoal versatility are your targets, dual-fuel grills will serve you best. This collection offers options that span traditional charcoal, gas, and electric approaches, enabling flexible outdoor cooking strategies for American backyard cooks and enthusiasts alike.