Char-Griller Duo Gas/Charcoal Grill Model #5050

Char-Griller has been making charcoal grills and smokers for a few years. Recently they introduced a small 3-burner gas grill. This charcoal/gas combo is exactly what it sounds like, a combination of Char-griller's gas and smallest charcoal grills mounted on a single frame. If you are in the market for both gas and charcoal grilling (or you can't decide which way to go) this is a unit to take a look at. Typically selling for $300 to $400USD this isn't an expensive combination unit and with over 1200 square inches of cooking space it is a very large grill, though you probably will only use one side at a time.

The Char-Griller Duo is a combination of their Char-Griller Grillin Pro Gas Grill and a smaller version of their popular charcoal grills. This gives you a 3-burner gas grill and a similar sized charcoal grill mounted on a single frame with a 12,000 BTU side burner on the side. If you spend the extra money of the offset firebox you can use this unit as a smoker as well.

The question you have to ask yourself is, do you really want two grills bolted together? If this works for you then this is a grill to consider at since it sells at some locations for around $300USD (try Lowes Home Improvement Stores) it won't put you out that much. Of course with more parts you have more to go wrong with it and since the gas grill side relies on some lightweight components you might end up with a working charcoal grill attached to a failed gas grill.

The gas grill side is a nearly 40,800 BTU 3-burner gas grill with medium weight porcelain coated cast iron cooking grates. While some of these components are not the best quality they are pretty good for the price. The BTU output is a little low for the size, but the barrel shape and thicker steel body holds in heat well enough to give you some good grilling power. The attached side burner is powerful enough to heat a good sized pot though the mounting is a little weak so you can't put a lot of weight on it. Other than this, it is a typical low cost gas grill.

On the charcoal side you get a typical barrel shaped charcoal grill. The cast iron cooking grates are good for heat transfer and the dual layer bottom holds in the heat and protects the painted finish. If you add on the optional offset firebox you can use this charcoal grill as a smoker. While relatively small this charcoal grill gives you enough room for many grilling tasks, but is limited in indirect grilling space.