Tossing a handful of FlavrQ hickory chips into your propane grill’s smoker box transforms that clean blue flame into something with real character. But you’ve got more options than just one bag of chips. From lump charcoal for bold punch to coconut shell for subtle sweetness, each type changes your cook differently. Let’s walk through all eight so you can match the smoke to the meal.
| Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Charcoal Grill Combo |  | Best Value Combo | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: 592 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 20,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo |  | Most Versatile | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: 520 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 37,180 BTU (28,650 + 8,530) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner |  | Best Compact Design | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: Not specified | Total BTU Output: 49,000 BTU (40,000 + 9,000) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas Charcoal Grill Combo |  | Largest Capacity | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: 666 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 34,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel Grill |  | Best for Smoking | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: 750 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 36,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| FlavrQ Charcoal Chips for Gas Grills |  | Best Gas Grill Add-On | Fuel Type: Charcoal chips (for gas grills) | Primary Cooking Surface Area: Not applicable (accessory) | Total BTU Output: Not applicable (accessory) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Starter Kit: Natural Maple Charcoal & Steel Grid |  | Best Starter Kit | Fuel Type: Maple charcoal chips (for gas grills) | Primary Cooking Surface Area: Not applicable (accessory) | Total BTU Output: Not applicable (accessory) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| MFSTUDIO Gas Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner |  | Best Build Quality | Fuel Type: Propane + Charcoal | Primary Cooking Surface Area: 520 sq. in. | Total BTU Output: 37,000 BTU | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Royal Gourmet ZH3002N 2-Burner Propane Charcoal Grill Combo
You’re getting two grills in one footprint with the Royal Gourmet ZH3002N, and for the money, that combo value is tough to beat. It’s a side-by-side setup: a 2-burner propane grill and a charcoal grill, giving you 759 sq. in. total. That’s enough for about 30 burgers at once, plus a warming rack.
The propane side runs on 10,000 BTUs, while the charcoal side delivers that smoky flavor you crave. Two side shelves with hooks keep tools handy, and 6-inch wheels make it easy to roll around. Look for the stainless steel lid and porcelain-enameled grates, they hold up well outdoors. You’ll like the removable grease trays for quick cleanup, and the built-in thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. It’s a solid backyard companion.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:592 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:20,000 BTU
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Weight:103.6 lbs
- Warranty Duration:1 year
- Additional Feature:Side-by-side gas/charcoal configuration
- Additional Feature:6-inch wheels and lockable casters
- Additional Feature:Removable grease trays and ash trays
Sophia & William Charcoal and Gas Grill Combo
The Sophie & William combo suits the cook who wants both gas convenience and charcoal flavor. You get dual fuel options, so you can fire up the three stainless steel burners (28,650 BTU total) for quick heat, plus a side burner for simmering. Then switch to the charcoal side with its adjustable tray and crank handle. Your total cooking space hits 690 square inches—520 on durable porcelain-enameled cast iron grates, plus a 170 sq. inch warming rack. Cleanup’s a breeze with the removable ash tray and slide-out grease tray. Locking casters keep it stable while you move it. And it comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:520 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:37,180 BTU (28,650 + 8,530)
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Weight:105 lbs
- Warranty Duration:1 year
- Additional Feature:Three stainless steel burners
- Additional Feature:8,530 BTU side burner
- Additional Feature:Adjustable charcoal tray with crank
Gas & Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
Who wants to grill with propane one day and charcoal the next, without buying two separate grills? This 3-in-1 system gives you exactly that. Swap the gas setup for porcelain enameled charcoal trays or a stainless steel griddle pan, all in a compact design. You get four stainless steel burners pumping 40,000 BTU, plus a 9,000 BTU side burner for sauces. Heavy duty cast iron grates resist rust and spread heat evenly. Two big 6 inch wheels roll smoothly over any terrain. And the grease management system slops drippings into a removable cup, cutting down smoke and odors. It even includes the griddle, regulator, and charcoal trays right out of the box.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:Not specified
- Total BTU Output:49,000 BTU (40,000 + 9,000)
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Weight:70 lbs
- Warranty Duration:1 year
- Additional Feature:3-in-1 interchangeable cooking system
- Additional Feature:Double-wall insulated stainless steel lid
- Additional Feature:Piezo ignition system
ZH3005Y 2-Burner Gas Charcoal Grill Combo
Charcoal lovers who crave gas convenience, this combo is your largest capacity option under $500. You get 666 sq. in. of primary cooking space plus a 157 sq. in. warming rack and an offset smoker that doubles as extra charcoal grill territory. Its three-level adjustable charcoal pan lets you dial in heat precisely, while the piezo ignition fires up the two 12,000 BTU burners without needing batteries. And the side door makes adding charcoal or dumping ash a breeze. This 87-pound workhorse handles slow smoking or searing, all for under five hundred bucks.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:666 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:34,000 BTU
- Cooking Grate Material:Not specified (alloy steel body)
- Weight:87 lbs
- Warranty Duration:1 year limited
- Additional Feature:Offset smoker section included
- Additional Feature:Height-adjustable charcoal pan with 3 levels
- Additional Feature:Side door for charcoal addition
Oklahoma Joe’s Canyon Combo Dual Fuel Grill
For dual-fuel enthusiasts who crave smoking depth without sacrificing gas convenience, this grill is a standout. You get 750 square inches of primary cooking space, enough for two pork shoulders and a dozen burgers. Fire it up with charcoal for low-and-slow smoke, or flip to the 36,000 BTU propane side for quick grilling. The heavy-gauge steel and porcelain-coated cast-iron grates handle high heat beautifully. Dual lid gauges and adjustable dampers let you dial in temperature precisely. Plus, the firebox door makes fuel loading a breeze. It’s built for real BBQ flexibility.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:750 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:36,000 BTU
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-coated cast iron
- Weight:Not specified
- Warranty Duration:2 years
- Additional Feature:Low-and-slow smoking capability
- Additional Feature:281 sq in firebox grate
- Additional Feature:Large rubber-tread steel wagon wheels
FlavrQ Charcoal Chips for Gas Grills
You’re a gas grill owner who craves the taste of wood fired cooking without buying a whole new setup. FlavrQ Charcoal Chips make that happen in seconds. Just toss a handful of these 100% all-natural Canadian sugar maple chips onto your gas grill’s flavorizer bars or lava rocks. They’ll boost your grill’s temperature by over 100°F, searing steaks about 50% faster than traditional charcoal. One pound gives you the power of four pounds of old school briquettes. Plus, you get up to 90% less ash for quick cleanup. No chemicals, just authentic wood fired flavor with a crispy crust.
- Fuel Type:Charcoal chips (for gas grills)
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:Not applicable (accessory)
- Total BTU Output:Not applicable (accessory)
- Cooking Grate Material:Not applicable (accessory)
- Weight:2 lbs
- Warranty Duration:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Converts gas grill to charcoal
- Additional Feature:90% less ash than traditional charcoal
- Additional Feature:Raises grill temperature by 100°F
Starter Kit: Natural Maple Charcoal & Steel Grid
If you love charcoal flavor but refuse to ditch your gas grill, this kit is your shortcut. You’ll get a patented stainless steel grid plus a 2‑pound bag of chemical‑free Canadian Sugar Maple chips. No tools needed. Lift your grate, drop in the grid, fill it, and ignite. That’s it. The grid reaches searing temps fast without clogging burners, and each bag lasts 3‑6 uses. Perfect for steaks, ribs, or chicken when you want that authentic smoky edge in under ten minutes. Plus, the maple burn is clean and hot. Your propane setup just got a serious upgrade.
- Fuel Type:Maple charcoal chips (for gas grills)
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:Not applicable (accessory)
- Total BTU Output:Not applicable (accessory)
- Cooking Grate Material:Stainless steel grid
- Weight:3.3 lbs
- Warranty Duration:Not specified
- Additional Feature:Patented stainless steel grid
- Additional Feature:No-tools setup required
- Additional Feature:3-6 uses per bag
MFSTUDIO Gas Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner
The MFSTUDIO combo is built for the griller who refuses to settle for one fuel source. You get an independent charcoal area and a gas side with three stainless steel burners pumping 37,000 BTU. That’s 690 square inches of cooking space total, including 520 sq.in. of porcelain-enameled cast iron grates. The dual-layer hoods have built-in thermometers for precise heat control. Don’t forget the side burner for extra capacity. And cleanup’s a breeze with the grease tray and ash drawer. It’s sturdy on casters too, weighing 115 pounds.
- Fuel Type:Propane + Charcoal
- Primary Cooking Surface Area:520 sq. in.
- Total BTU Output:37,000 BTU
- Cooking Grate Material:Porcelain-enameled cast iron
- Weight:115 lbs
- Warranty Duration:1 year
- Additional Feature:Independent charcoal and gas areas
- Additional Feature:Digital temperature controls
- Additional Feature:Dual-layer lids with thermometers
Factors to Consider When Choosing Charcoal for Propane Grill
You’ll want to weigh heat output efficiency first, since charcoal that burns too fast or slow can ruin your sear. And don’t forget flavor profile options: lump charcoal gives a clean taste, while briquettes add a subtle smokiness, but ash residue levels and burn temperature control directly affect how often you’ll need to clean. Finally, check fuel compatibility, because some charcoal blends aren’t designed to work well with propane grill heat zones.
Heat Output Efficiency
Because heat output efficiency directly impacts how quickly you can sear a steak or keep a consistent temperature for slow smoking, it’s a critical factor when choosing charcoal for your propane grill. You want charcoal with higher BTU ratings, as that means more intense heat for fast, high-temperature grilling. But don’t stop there; consider burn time. Longer-burning charcoal gives you stable cooking temps, so your food cooks evenly.
Here’s what you need to check:
- BTU rating: Higher equals more power for searing.
- Burn time: Longer burns mean less fussing with temperature.
- Charcoal type: Lump charcoal ignites fast and burns hot, while briquettes offer steady, prolonged heat.
- Airflow: Good ventilation in your charcoal canister boosts combustion efficiency, maximizing every bit of fuel.
Preheat your charcoal before adding it, and add fresh fuel as needed to maintain ideal heat for those long smoking sessions.
Flavor Profile Options
Although your propane grill might not use charcoal directly, you can still layer in real charcoal flavor by using a charcoal smoker box or tube. For flavor, you’ve got options. Lump charcoal delivers a bold, smoky, natural taste, while briquettes give you a milder, more consistent profile. Want something specific? Grab flavored charcoals infused with hickory, mesquite, or maple. That’s where the magic happens, each wood type adds its own distinct aroma.
Stick with natural charcoal for a cleaner, purer taste. Bigger chunks burn slower, too, so they impart a richer, deeper smoky flavor. Don’t stop there. Toss in some wood chips or chunks alongside your charcoal. This lets you customize your smoky profile on the fly. Here’s a quick guide:
- Lump charcoal: Bold and natural.
- Briquettes: Consistent and mild.
- Flavored charcoal: Hickory, mesquite, or maple for targeted taste.
- Add wood chips: For extra complexity.
Ash Residue Levels
Beyond flavor, ash residue is a practical factor that can make or break your grilling session. High ash charcoals leave behind a mess, forcing you to clean your grill more often. But you don’t want that. Instead, choose low ash charcoal. It burns cleaner, producing less residue. Why does this matter? Because excess ash clogs your grill’s vents. When those vents block up, airflow suffers, and you get inefficient combustion and uneven heat. That’s frustrating. Properly processed options, like kiln dried briquettes or compressed lumps, create minimal ash. This choice prolongs your grill’s lifespan and slashes maintenance time. So, pick charcoal with low ash content. Your vents will stay clear, your temperature steady, and your cleanup quick.
Burn Temperature Control
When you’re dialing in perfect grill temps, burn temperature control is really about mastering airflow, charcoal placement, and heat zones. Adjust those vents and dampers to regulate oxygen flow; more air means a hotter fire, less gives you a steady, low smolder. Manage your charcoal pile: heap it on one side for a blazing direct zone, spread it thin for even indirect heat. You’ll want to create two distinct areas one for searing, one for slow cooking.
Keep an eye on your built-in thermometer or an external probe. It’s your best friend here. Consistent temps come from fiddling with three things: charcoal quantity, airflow, and the lid. Crack the lid open to release heat or clamp it down tight to trap it. A few small adjustments let you hold 225°F for hours or crank up to 500°F for a perfect sear. No guesswork, just control.
Fuel Compatibility
Now that you’ve got a handle on temperature control, it’s time to talk about what you’re actually burning. You need to make sure the charcoal is compatible with your grill’s fuel system, or you risk damage and safety hazards. Stick with lump charcoal: it’s natural, burns hotter, and is often recommended for propane grills converted for charcoal use. Also, consider the size and form. Smaller, uniform pieces ignite faster and burn more evenly, saving you headaches. And please, verify your charcoal has no additives or fillers. Those release harmful chemicals when used with a propane setup. Finally, match the flavor profile to your cooking. Maple for a subtle sweetness, hickory for a bold kick. Choose wisely and you’ll get that smoky edge!
