10 Best Dual Fuel Grill With Side Burner Picks For 2026: Versatile Backyard Cooking Made Easy

If you want one grill that can do more than basic propane cooking, a dual fuel grill with side burner is a smart upgrade. These combos let you switch between gas and charcoal, add direct heat, and keep sauces or sides going at the edge.

Below, we’ve narrowed the field to 10 practical picks for patios, backyards, and weekend cooks who want flexibility without overcomplicating setup.

Best 10 Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner Picks for 2026

Dual-Fuel Smokehouse Combo – ZH3005Y 2-Burner Grill with Offset Smoker

If you want a dual fuel grill with side burner that leans into smoky flavor as much as everyday grilling, this ZH3005Y combo is built for variety. It pairs gas and charcoal cooking with an attached offset smoker, giving you a flexible setup for searing, smoking, and handling side dishes in one outdoor station.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want gas convenience, charcoal flavor, and an attached smoker in one unit.

Pros:

• Dual-fuel design combines gas and charcoal for more cooking options.
• Attached offset smoker adds authentic smoky flavor and extra cooking flexibility.
• 34,000 BTU total output includes a 10,000 BTU side burner for sauces or sides.
• Large 1020 sq. in. cooking area can handle big cookouts.

Cons:

• At 87 pounds, it is not a lightweight grill.
• Charcoal capacity is limited compared with larger dedicated smokers.
• More components may mean more setup and cleanup than a simple gas grill.

This model stands out for people who want one grill to do a lot of jobs without giving up smoky results. If you value versatility and a generous cooking layout, it is a strong all-in-one pick.

Heavy-Duty Hybrid Patio Grill – Nexgrill 4-Burner with Charcoal Tray

This dual fuel grill with side burner is aimed at shoppers who want a roomy propane grill with the option to switch in charcoal for extra flavor. The Nexgrill adds a 2-in-1 charcoal insert, cast iron grates, and a side burner, making it a practical setup for mixed grilling styles and bigger meals.

Best For: Families and hosts who want a gas grill with charcoal flexibility and strong heat output.

Pros:

• 4 main burners deliver 60,000 BTUs for strong heating performance.
• 2-in-1 charcoal insert adds smoky flavor without needing a separate grill.
• Cast iron cooking grids support even heat distribution and durability.
• Enclosed storage and four-wheel transport add everyday convenience.

Cons:

• 461 sq. in. cooking space is solid, but not as large as some combo grills.
• At 106.9 pounds, it is fairly heavy to move frequently.
• The charcoal setup is an insert, not a dedicated offset smoker.

For buyers who want a straightforward hybrid grill with serious power and a side burner, this Nexgrill is a balanced choice. It offers useful flexibility without pushing into oversized smokehouse territory.

Texas Trio Grill Station – Char-Griller 3-Burner Gas & Charcoal Smoker

Shoppers looking for a true dual fuel grill with side burner and smoker capability will find a lot built into the Char-Griller Texas Trio. It combines gas and charcoal cooking with an included side fire box, giving you the option to grill normally or lean into Texas-style offset smoking.

Best For: Anyone who wants a large-capacity grill with real smoking features and dual-fuel flexibility.

Pros:

• Gas and charcoal combination gives you multiple cooking methods in one unit.
• Included side fire box supports offset smoking and richer flavor.
• 1,390 sq. in. of total cooking space is suited to large cookouts.
• 40,800 BTUs on the gas side plus a 12,000 BTU side burner add versatility.

Cons:

• At 202 pounds, it is very heavy and not easy to reposition.
• Large footprint may require substantial patio or backyard space.
• More features can mean more complexity than a basic grill.

This model is one of the most feature-rich picks in the group if smoking is a priority. It is best suited to buyers who want a big, capable outdoor cooking station rather than a compact everyday grill.

Compact Cabinet Grill – Outsunny 3-Burner Propane Grill with Side Burner

If you are comparing a dual fuel grill with side burner, this Outsunny model takes a simpler route by focusing on propane grilling with useful side-burner support and organized storage. It is a practical choice for smaller cookouts, with independent burner controls, a thermometer, and a cabinet-style frame that keeps essentials close at hand.

Best For: Smaller outdoor spaces and casual cooks who want a tidy propane grill with a side burner.

Pros:

• 3 main burners plus a side burner provide flexible cooking zones.
• Built-in thermometer helps monitor heat more accurately.
• Cabinet storage, side hooks, and a foldable side table improve convenience.
• Locking caster wheels make it easier to move and secure in place.

Cons:

• 310 sq. in. cooking area is smaller than many larger patio grills.
• It is gas-only, so it does not offer true dual-fuel cooking.
• Best suited to smaller groups rather than large parties.

While it does not match the dual-fuel flexibility of the bigger combo grills, it delivers a compact and practical setup for everyday propane grilling. For buyers who prioritize storage and maneuverability, it is an efficient backyard option.

Best All-in-One Griddle Grill – Nexgrill 4-Burner Dual Fuel with Side Burner

If you want a dual fuel grill with side burner that can handle burgers, breakfast, and sides without feeling cramped, this Nexgrill is built for that kind of all-in-one outdoor cooking. The combo of 4 burners, a dedicated searing side burner, and the included cast iron griddle insert gives you more ways to cook from one cart-style grill.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want one grill that can switch between grilling, griddling, and side-dish prep.

Pros:

• Included 280-square-inch cast iron griddle insert adds extra cooking versatility.
• 59,000 BTU total output across 4 burners supports fast heating.
• 15,000 BTU side burner is useful for sauces, sides, and searing.
• Porcelain-coated cast iron grates are designed for even heat distribution and easier cleanup.

Cons:

• Large 626-square-inch footprint may be more grill than casual users need.
• At 118.6 pounds, it is not a lightweight move-around option.

This model stands out if your priority is flexibility: grill, griddle, or use the side burner without changing setups. It is a strong fit for bigger meals and multitask cooking, especially when you want one outdoor station to cover most of the menu.

Best Space-Saving Combo – Garvee 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

This dual fuel grill with side burner is aimed at buyers who want both propane and charcoal in one outdoor setup. Garvee combines a two-lid gas-and-charcoal design with 3 burners and side shelves, making it a practical choice for patios and backyard gatherings where versatility and organization matter.

Best For: Grillers who want gas-and-charcoal flexibility in one cart-style unit with room for accessories.

Pros:

• Dual-fuel design lets you use propane grilling or charcoal cooking.
• 3 burners provide a total of 24,000 BTU for temperature control.
• Storage cabinet helps keep the gas tank and grilling accessories organized.
• Side shelves add convenient prep and staging space.

Cons:

• Heat output is lower than some larger combo grills.
• Product notes do not list a large primary cooking area.

This is a straightforward combo option if you want the flavor range of charcoal and the convenience of gas without buying two separate grills. The cabinet and side shelves make it easier to keep your cookout area tidy and functional.

Best High-Capacity Hybrid – 3-Burner Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner

If you are shopping for a dual fuel grill with side burner and want more cooking space, this combo model is built for larger cookouts. It pairs gas and charcoal cooking in one unit, adds a side burner, and offers a 685-square-inch total cooking area for handling multiple foods at once.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want a larger gas-and-charcoal combo with better temperature-zone control.

Pros:

• 685 square inches of total cooking area gives you plenty of room.
• 3 main burners plus 1 side burner support multi-zone cooking.
• 37,000 BTU output provides strong overall heating power.
• Porcelain-enameled cast iron grates add durability and rust resistance.

Cons:

• Large footprint may take up significant patio space.
• Assembly and cleanup may be more involved because it combines grease and ash management systems.

This is the pick for shoppers who want the benefits of both fuel types and enough space to cook for a crowd. The adjustable charcoal pan, airflow controls, and side burner make it a more feature-rich option for serious outdoor cooking.

Dual-Fuel Combo Value – Royal Gourmet ZH3002N Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

If you want a dual fuel grill with side burner-style convenience in a broad outdoor setup, this Royal Gourmet combo gives you gas speed and charcoal flavor in one cart-style unit. The side shelves and hanging hooks make prep easier, while the large cooking area gives you plenty of room for mixed-cookouts and weeknight meals alike.

Best For: Backyard cooks who want a gas-and-charcoal combo with generous prep space and easy cleanup.

Pros:

• Side-by-side gas and charcoal design offers two cooking styles in one grill.
• Two side shelves and three hooks add useful prep and tool storage space.
• 759 sq. in. total cooking area can handle large batches, up to about 30 burgers.
• Slide-out ash tray and removable grease cup/tray simplify cleanup.

Cons:

• Does not include a dedicated side burner for pots or sauce simmering.
• Large footprint may take up significant patio space.
• Heavier cart-style build is less grab-and-go than a compact grill.

This is a practical pick if you want fuel flexibility first and foremost. It leans more toward big backyard versatility than specialty add-ons, but the prep space and easy maintenance make it a strong everyday option.

4-in-1 Backyard Workhorse – 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill with Side Burner

This dual fuel grill with side burner is built for cooks who want one unit to do a lot: grill, griddle, smoke, and boil. The side burner adds real utility for sauce pans, woks, or boiling water, while the charcoal tray and griddle sections broaden what you can make on the same outdoor setup.

Best For: Hosts who want a multi-function outdoor cooker with a true side burner and flexible heat options.

Pros:

• 4-in-1 layout supports grilling, griddling, smoking, and side-burner cooking.
• Four 10,000 BTU main burners plus a 9,000 BTU side burner deliver a 49,000 BTU total.
• 448 sq. in. total cooking area is enough for family meals and weekend gatherings.
• Includes removable grates, slide-out grease tray, thermometer, folding side tables, and tool hooks.

Cons:

• Complex multi-zone design may be more than some buyers need.
• Wider feature set can mean a steeper learning curve for first-time users.
• Warranty listed as 3 months, which is shorter than many shoppers may prefer.

If you want one outdoor cooker to cover more than standard grilling, this model stands out for versatility. The side burner and charcoal tray add real range, making it a strong fit for cooks who like to experiment.

Large-Capacity Smoke Combo – Sophia & William 3-Burner Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo

For shoppers comparing a dual fuel grill with side burner alternatives, this Sophia & William combo leans into size, smoke, and temperature control instead of a dedicated burner. It pairs a gas side for faster cooking with a charcoal side and offset smoker for deeper barbecue flavor, making it a strong option for large outdoor gatherings.

Best For: Big families and backyard hosts who want gas convenience plus charcoal smoking capacity.

Pros:

• Gas and charcoal combo gives you quick cooking and classic BBQ flavor in one unit.
• 840 sq. in. total cooking area fits large batches, up to about 30 burgers.
• Offset smoker and adjustable charcoal pan support true low-and-slow cooking.
• Pull-out ash and grease trays make cleanup easier after long cook sessions.

Cons:

• No dedicated side burner is listed.
• Large 132-pound build is not ideal if you need frequent moving.
• May be more grill than casual cooks need for small meals.

This is a solid pick if you value smoke flavor and capacity more than extra accessories. The combination of a gas side, charcoal side, and offset smoker makes it especially useful for bigger backyard events.

How We Picked the Best Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner

We focused on real-world usefulness: cooking capacity, fuel versatility, burner output, side-burner convenience, and build features that matter for regular outdoor use. We also considered whether each Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner offers enough flexibility for burgers, steaks, low-and-slow cooking, and side dishes without feeling cramped.

Quick Comparison

At a high level, larger 4- and 5-burner models are better for feeding crowds and managing multiple heat zones, while 2- and 3-burner options tend to be easier to fit on smaller patios and are usually more budget-friendly. Charcoal tray or offset-smoker designs are best if flavor and smoke control matter most, while griddle inserts and cabinet storage add everyday convenience.

Key Buying Factors for a Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner

Fuel Setup and Cooking Style

Choose a model that matches how you cook. Gas gives fast preheat and simpler temperature control, while charcoal brings stronger smoke flavor. A combo grill is ideal if you want both.

BTUs and Heat Control

Higher BTU numbers can help with fast heating, but burner layout and lid design matter just as much. Look for even heat distribution, reliable ignition, and a side burner that’s strong enough for sauce pans or corn pots.

Cooking Space and Zones

If you cook for family gatherings, prioritize larger main grates and enough room to separate direct heat, indirect heat, and warming areas. Smaller grills make more sense for couples or compact outdoor spaces.

Build Features That Add Value

Side shelves, storage cabinets, thermometers, griddle inserts, and offset smokers can make a big difference in daily use. Stainless steel parts and sturdy carts also tend to hold up better over time.

Who Should Buy Which Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner?

Choose a compact Dual Fuel Grill with Side Burner if you want weekend flexibility in a smaller footprint. Go bigger if you host often, like to cook multiple foods at once, or want more room for temperature management. If smoky flavor is your priority, pick a model with an offset smoker or charcoal tray. If convenience comes first, look for easy ignition, shelves, and a side burner that expands your cooking workflow.

In short, the best option is the one that fits your space, your preferred fuel, and how often you actually cook outdoors.