Dual Fuel Power for Backyard Perfection
You know that feeling when you fire up the grill on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun is warm, the drinks are cold, and you’ve got a tray of marinated steaks or chicken thighs waiting. But here’s the question that haunts every outdoor cook: gas or charcoal?
The gas guys love the speed and convenience. Flip a switch, twist a knob, and you’re cooking in five minutes. The charcoal purists won’t budge because nothing – and I mean nothing – replicates that smoky, seared flavor you get from glowing briquettes or lump charcoal.
So what if you didn’t have to choose?
Meet the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner. This 3-burner propane BBQ grill with a dedicated charcoal chamber on the side gives you the best of both worlds. It’s like owning two premium grills that share one heavy-duty stand and one very reasonable price tag.
I’ve spent time cooking on this dual fuel system, and I’ll walk you through exactly what works, what surprised me, and who should buy this hybrid beast.
Why a Dual Fuel Grill Combo Actually Makes Sense
Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t have the patio space – or the budget – for a standalone gas grill and a separate charcoal kettle. But we still want the flexibility. Some nights you need burgers in fifteen minutes after work. Other weekends you want to slow-smoke a rack of ribs over charcoal and hickory chunks for three hours.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo solves that space and money problem without forcing compromises.
Think of it as a cooking station rather than just a grill. On the gas side, you’ve got three stainless steel burners pushing out even heat across the cooking surface. That’s perfect for weeknight chicken breasts, quick-seared fish, or vegetables in a grill basket. On the charcoal side, you’ve got a dedicated chamber where you can build a proper fire, control airflow with dampers, and infuse whatever you’re cooking with real wood smoke.
And then there’s the side burner. That little extra burner on the right side runs off the same propane tank. Suddenly you’re not just grilling – you’re simmering barbecue sauce in a pot, sautéing onions and peppers for sausages, or keeping baked beans warm while the main event finishes.
This isn’t a gimmick. It’s genuinely useful.
First Impressions – Unboxing and Assembly
The grill arrives in a sizable box – because this is not a tiny tailgating rig. You’re looking at a substantial outdoor cooking appliance. The box weighs about 75 pounds, so have a friend or a hand truck ready.
Inside, everything is packed with foam and cardboard separators. The main body, the charcoal chamber, the side burner, the grates, the stand legs, and a bag of hardware. The instructions are illustrated step-by-step. If you’ve assembled any flat-pack furniture or a previous grill, you’ll manage this in about 45 to 60 minutes with a Phillips head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench.
One tip I’ll offer: Lay out all the parts first. Identify the screws, bolts, and washers using the included diagram. Work on a soft surface like a cardboard sheet so you don’t scratch the enamel coating.
Once assembled, the first thing you’ll notice is the heavy-duty outdoor barbecue grill stand. This isn’t flimsy. The legs are tubular steel with a black powder coat. Four locking casters mean you can roll the whole unit around your patio, then lock it down securely. There’s also a lower shelf – perfect for storing a spare propane tank, a charcoal chimney, or your grilling tools.
The Gas Side – 3 Burners of Reliable Heat
Let’s start with the propane side since that’s what most people will use for day-to-day cooking.
The LAUDLIFE propane BBQ grill with side burner features three main burners running horizontally across the firebox. Each burner is rated at roughly 10,000 BTUs, giving you a total of around 30,000 BTUs on the gas side. That’s respectable for a grill in this price range – not the 50,000 BTU monster you’d find on a luxury brand, but more than enough for a family of four or six.
What matters more than raw BTUs is heat distribution. I tested this by laying slices of white bread across the grates. After a few minutes, the toast showed even browning from left to right. No major hot or cold spots. That means your chicken wings won’t burn on one end while staying raw on the other.
The ignition system is piezo electric. Push the knob, turn to “high,” and you’ll hear that satisfying click as the burner lights. If you’re using a fresh propane tank, it catches on the first try. In cold weather, you might need two attempts – perfectly normal for this type of ignition.
Each burner knob has adjustable flame control from low simmer to high sear. The low setting is genuinely low. You can melt butter in a pan or gently warm tortillas without scorching. The high setting produces a solid orange-blue flame that ripples across the ceramic-coated burner tubes.
The Charcoal Side – Real Smoke, Real Flavor
Now for the soul of this gas and charcoal grill combo – the dedicated charcoal chamber.
This side is a self-contained charcoal grill roughly the size of a small kettle. It has its own adjustable air vents at the bottom and top, allowing you to control oxygen flow and therefore temperature. Wide open vents = raging hot fire for searing steaks. Crack them half-closed = lower, slower heat for chicken thighs or pork chops.
The charcoal grate sits about three inches above the bottom, leaving room for ash to drop through. You can use standard briquettes, lump charcoal, or even add wood chunks like mesquite, hickory, or applewood for smoking. The enamel coating on the inside makes ash cleanup much easier than a bare steel kettle.
Here’s where the hybrid design really shines. You can sear a thick ribeye on the gas side first to get perfect grill marks, then transfer it to the charcoal side to finish with smoky flavor. Or reverse that – smoke on the charcoal side first, then reverse-sear on the gas side. The ability to move food between two heat sources gives you restaurant-level control.
I made beer-can chicken on the charcoal side with a handful of soaked hickory chips. The skin turned golden brown and crisp. The meat stayed juicy. And that smoke ring? Pure backyard victory.
The Side Burner – More Than a Gimmick
A lot of combo grills tack on a side burner that’s barely powerful enough to boil water. That’s not the case here.
The LAUDLIFE side burner runs off the same propane tank as the gas grill. It’s a single, high-output burner with its own control knob and a removable grate that supports pots, pans, or a wok. The output is roughly 12,000 BTUs – enough to bring a pot of water to a rolling boil in about eight minutes.
Practical uses I’ve found:
- Simmering barbecue sauce while ribs finish on the charcoal side
- Sautéing mushrooms and onions for burgers without running back inside
- Boiling corn on the cob while steaks rest
- Heating baked beans in a small saucepan
- Melting butter for lobster tails or grilled seafood
The side burner lid folds down when not in use, keeping the surface clear. When you need it, lift the lid, place your pot, and light it like the other burners. It’s not a commercial wok burner, but for backyard cooking, it’s genuinely handy.
Non-Stick Enamel Coating Grates – Cleaning Made Easy
Let’s talk about the part of grilling everyone hates: cleaning the grates.
Traditional cast iron grates work beautifully but require constant seasoning and rust prevention. Stainless steel grates are durable but let food stick something awful. The LAUDLIFE solution is non-stick enamel grates on both the gas and charcoal sides.
The coating is a porcelain-enamel finish over heavy-gauge steel wire. It feels smooth to the touch, almost glass-like. Food releases easily – chicken thighs don’t tear apart when you flip them, and fish fillets won’t disintegrate into a mess of white flakes.
Cleaning is shockingly simple. After cooking, let the grates cool until they’re warm but not scorching. Use a nylon brush or a crumpled ball of aluminum foil to scrape off residue. Most of it wipes away. For stubborn spots, a soak in warm soapy water for ten minutes followed by a soft sponge does the trick.
No wire brushes that shed metal bristles. No steel wool that scratches the enamel. No rust, ever, as long as you don’t chip the coating with metal tools.
A word of caution: Don’t use metal spatulas or aggressive scrapers on these grates. Stick to silicone, wood, or heat-resistant nylon utensils. The enamel is tough, but it will chip if you bang a metal spatula against it repeatedly. Treat it well, and it will outlast the burners.
Heavy-Duty Outdoor Barbecue Grill Stand – Built to Last
The stand deserves its own section because cheap grills often wobble. Not this one.
The LAUDLIFE outdoor barbecue grill stand is constructed from thick-gauge tubular steel with a black powder-coated finish that resists rust and UV damage. The legs are braced with horizontal crossbars, eliminating side-to-side wobble. Four 3-inch casters – two locking, two non-locking – make rolling across grass or concrete smooth and stable.
When locked, the grill doesn’t move. I pushed against it intentionally, and the stand held firm. That matters when you’re scraping a heavy cast iron pan off the side burner or flipping a full rack of ribs.
There’s a lower wire shelf that adds significant storage. I keep a 20-pound propane tank, a charcoal chimney starter, a bag of briquettes, and a box of wood chips down there. The shelf is rated for about 40 pounds, but I wouldn’t go much higher than that.
Two side shelves fold down for compact storage. When extended, they provide ample workspace for a platter of raw meat, your seasoning rubs, a meat thermometer, and a cold beverage. The left shelf lives above the charcoal chamber – it gets warm but not dangerously hot. Still, don’t leave plastic items there during long cooks.
Cooking Performance – Real World Tests
I ran this grill through a series of practical cooking tests to see how it performs.
Burgers on the gas side: Four half-pound patties, 80/20 blend. Preheated for ten minutes on high. The non-stick enamel grates gave excellent sear marks without tearing the meat. Flipped once at four minutes. Internal temperature hit 160°F in exactly eight minutes. Juicy, well-browned, with no flare-ups because the grease channels drain away from the burners.
Ribs on the charcoal side: Two racks of St. Louis-style ribs. Used the snake method for charcoal – arranged briquettes in a C-shape around the perimeter, added three chunks of applewood. Held 250°F for three hours with minimal vent adjustment. The ribs were tender but not fall-apart, with a beautiful mahogany color and a smoke ring that earned genuine compliments.
Chicken thighs, both sides: Marinated thighs in garlic and herb. Grilled half on gas at medium heat, half on charcoal at comparable temperature. The gas thighs were perfectly edible – crispy skin, juicy meat. The charcoal thighs had an extra layer of flavor. Not subtle. If you have time, use charcoal. If you’re in a rush, gas gets the job done.
Side burner chili: A small pot of leftover chili needed reheating. Three minutes on medium heat, stirred once. Even heating, no scorching on the bottom. The flame spreader diffuses heat well.
Pizza on the gas side: Used a pizza stone preheated for twenty minutes on high. The grill held 550°F easily. A 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizza cooked in six minutes with leopard-spotted crust. Not wood-fired quality, but better than any kitchen oven.
Pros and Cons – Honest Assessment
Let me be upfront. No grill is perfect. Here’s what stands out.
Pros
- True dual-fuel flexibility – Gas for speed, charcoal for flavor, side burner for sauces and sides. You genuinely get two grills in one footprint.
- Non-stick enamel grates are a revelation for easy cleaning. No rust, no seasoning, no stuck chicken skin.
- Heavy-duty stand with locking casters feels stable and rolls smoothly. Lower shelf adds real storage.
- Even heat distribution on the gas side – no frustrating hot spots that burn one end of a pork chop.
- Separate charcoal chamber with adjustable dampers gives you real temperature control, not just “dump and hope.”
- Side burner is powerful enough for boiling and simmering, not just a decorative afterthought.
- Assembly is straightforward with clear instructions. One person can manage it, though two hands help.
- Excellent value compared to buying a gas grill and a charcoal kettle separately.
Cons
- Non-stick grates require careful utensils – metal spatulas will chip the enamel. You need wood or silicone tools.
- Charcoal chamber is midsized – you won’t fit a whole brisket or a beer-can chicken plus sides. For serious smoking, a dedicated smoker is better.
- Propane tank not included – you’ll need to buy one separately. The regulator fits standard 20-pound tanks.
- Side burner grate is small – an 8-inch pot fits fine, but a 12-inch stock pot will overhang. Manageable, but worth knowing.
- No built-in thermometer on the charcoal side. You’ll want a separate probe thermometer or an infrared gun for accurate temps.
- Assembly takes patience – the instructions are clear, but there are many small parts. Budget a full hour.
Who Should Buy This Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo?
This grill solves a specific problem. You want both gas convenience and charcoal flavor, but you have limited patio space and a reasonable budget.
The gas and charcoal grill combo is ideal for:
- Backyard entertainers who want to grill for 4 to 8 people without running between two separate cookers.
- Weekend cooks who love the ritual of lighting charcoal but also need quick Tuesday night burgers.
- First-time grill buyers who aren’t sure which fuel they prefer – buy this and discover your style without regret.
- Apartment or townhouse dwellers with small patios or balconies (check local fire codes first – charcoal may be restricted).
- Anyone tired of cleaning rusted cast iron grates – the non-stick enamel is genuinely easier.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Competition barbecue cooks need dedicated smokers with more charcoal capacity and precise temperature hold.
- People who cook for 10+ people regularly – the cooking surface is generous but not huge. Look for a 4 or 5-burner gas grill.
- Those who want a built-in natural gas connection – this is propane only. Natural gas conversion isn’t supported.
Questions and Answers About the LAUDLIFE Hybrid Grill
Q: Can I use the gas and charcoal sides at the same time?
A: Absolutely. That’s the whole point of a hybrid design. You can sear steaks on the gas side while slow-roasting vegetables on the charcoal side. Just keep an eye on total propane consumption – running three gas burners plus the side burner while charcoal burns will use fuel faster.
Q: How long does a 20-pound propane tank last with this grill?
A: Running all three gas burners on high with the side burner active, you’ll get around 8 to 10 hours of cooking time. Normal use – two burners on medium for 30 minutes a few times a week – can last two to three months. Always keep a spare tank if you host large parties.
Q: Are the non-stick enamel grates dishwasher safe?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. The high heat and harsh detergents in dishwashers can damage the enamel coating over time. Hand wash with warm soapy water and a soft sponge. They clean so easily that dishwashing is unnecessary anyway.
Q: Does the charcoal side work for smoking?
A: Yes, for shorter smokes. You can maintain 225°F to 275°F for two to three hours using the snake or minion method with charcoal and wood chunks. That’s enough for ribs, chicken, pork shoulder (if cut small), or sausages. For a full packer brisket or an eight-hour pork butt, you’ll need to add charcoal frequently – possible but tedious.
Q: How do I prevent rust on the exterior?
A: The stand and firebox have a powder-coated finish that resists rust, but no grill is immune. Keep it covered when not in use. LAUDLIFE makes a fitted cover, though any large gas grill cover will work. Clean grease and drips promptly. Store in a dry area if possible.
Q: Can I convert this grill to natural gas?
A: The manufacturer does not provide a natural gas conversion kit. Using aftermarket conversion parts would void your warranty and could be unsafe due to different pressure ratings. Stick with propane.
Q: What’s the warranty coverage?
A: LAUDLIFE typically offers a 1-year limited warranty on parts and manufacturing defects. Burners and grates may have shorter coverage. Check the documentation inside your box. Register your product online for the best support.
Q: Does the charcoal side have an ash catcher?
A: It has a removable ash pan below the charcoal grate. After the charcoal is completely cool (wait at least 12 hours), slide out the pan and dump the ashes into a metal container. Never vacuum hot ashes – they can melt vacuum parts or start fires.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Grill Life
Treat this grill right, and it will serve you for many seasons.
After each use: Brush the non-stick enamel grates gently with a nylon brush. Wipe down exterior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove grease splatter. Close the lid to prevent moisture buildup.
Weekly: Check the grease tray. Empty and clean it with soapy water. A full grease tray is a fire hazard. Inspect burner tubes for spider webs or debris – insects love propane smell.
Monthly: Deep clean the charcoal chamber. Remove all ash and old charcoal. Wipe the enamel interior with a mild degreaser. Check the dampers for smooth operation. Lubricate caster wheels if they squeak.
Seasonally: Inspect the propane regulator and hose for cracks or leaks. Apply a soapy water solution to connections – bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten or replace as needed. Cover the grill during winter or store in a garage if you live in snow country.
Never: Use metal brushes on the enamel grates. Leave the grill uncovered in rain for extended periods. Operate with a damaged hose or regulator. Leave a lit grill unattended – ever.
Final Verdict – Is the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo Worth It?
After several weeks of cooking everything from quick weeknight burgers to slow-smoked ribs, I can say this with confidence: The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo delivers exactly what it promises.
You get a capable 3-burner propane BBQ grill with side burner for everyday speed and convenience. You get a dedicated charcoal chamber for weekends when only real smoke will do. You get non-stick enamel grates that clean up in seconds – a genuine quality-of-life upgrade from traditional cast iron. And you get all of this on a heavy-duty outdoor barbecue grill stand that doesn’t wobble or rust.
Is it a high-end commercial rig? No. The burners won’t last forever, and the charcoal chamber is modestly sized. But for the price – significantly less than buying two separate grills – this is one of the smartest purchases a backyard cook can make.
The problem it solves is real. You don’t have to choose between speed and flavor. You don’t need a patio the size of a tennis court. You don’t need to scrub rusted grates for twenty minutes before you can cook.
You just need this grill, a propane tank, a bag of charcoal, and hungry people to feed.
Ready to Master Your Backyard Barbecue?
Stop compromising on fuel. Stop scrubbing stubborn grates. Stop wishing you had a side burner for your sauce.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo with side burner is ready to ship. Click the button below, add this dual-fuel powerhouse to your cart, and start cooking the way you’ve always wanted – gas speed, charcoal soul, and effortless cleanup.
Your first batch of smoke-kissed ribs is calling.
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