Let's set the scene: The sun is shining, the lingering aroma of a great BBQ wafts through the air and you're surrounded by friends and family. A beer in one hand, the other reaches to snag some freshly grilled meat from one of the best hybrid BBQs ever. If that isn't the epitome of spring and summer, then we don't know what is.
Alfresco dining is the best way to spend those long evenings - especially if you've also put some time and effort into garden accessories to really set the mood. But a great quality barbecue can mean the difference between an amazing meal and, well, an average one. If you've been trying to decide between a gas or a charcoal BBQ but just can't seem to pick, then it might be time to consider the best of both worlds: a hybrid BBQ.
Hybrid BBQs give you the option of cooking with both gas and charcoal, both of which have their own benefits. Charcoal BBQs tend to give you the best authentic, smoky BBQ taste, while a gas BBQ is faster, as well as more efficient. With a hybrid, you can be as flexible as you like - great if you're cooking for a lot of guests. But which one will be large enough for your big party, or small enough to throw into the campervan? How many extra features might you need, like side shelves and warming racks?
Best hybrid BBQs of 2023 at a glance:
• Best overall hybrid BBQ: Char-Broil Gas2Coal Hybrid Grill - View at Amazon
• Best hybrid BBQ for enthusiasts: CosmoGrill Barbecue 6+1 Pro Gas Grill BBQ - View at Amazon
• Best hybrid BBQ for budget: Premium Dual Fuel Charcoal and Gas Combi BBQ - View at Argos
• Best portable hybrid BBQ: CosmoGrill Outdoor XL Smoker Barbecue Charcoal Portable BBQ - View at Amazon
Well, we've got a handy guide to answer some of these questions at the end of the article. And, of course, we've rounded up the best hybrid gas and charcoal BBQs for your next summer soirée. So, grab those sausages and burgers for the barbie and let's get fired up.
Best hybrid BBQs of 2023
Best overall hybrid BBQ
Description
A solid choice when it comes to hybrids, this combination Char-Broil grill can convert from gas to charcoal and vice versa in under 60 seconds.
With three burners, this BBQ provides enough space to cook for all your friends and family, and the side burner will help warm up sauces and other side dishes quickly. We love that there's a handy side shelf to keep all utensils in one spot, as well as a warming rack to keep everything nice and toasty.
Pros
- Useful side shelf
- Effective warming rack
Cons
- A bit bulky
Best hybrid BBQ for enthusiasts
Description
A premium, multi-function model, the ComsoGrill is perfect for those looking to go one step further and drift into the realms of professional barbecuing.
There are six burners that can be lit separately, allowing you to cook meat, veggies and anything else individually. We particularly liked the spacious bottom half, where you can store condiments, pans and any crockery you might need. The grease trays and grill grates are removable, making cleaning that much easier.
Pros
- Large storage space
- Great temperature controls
Cons
- Not the most durable
Best hybrid BBQ for budget
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Argos Home's Premium Dual Fuel Charcoal & Gas Combi BBQ lets you cook with both gas and charcoal in separate grilling spaces, meaning you can enjoy the ease and speed of cooking with gas, and if you've got time to spare, the flavour of cooking with charcoal.
We're big fans of the design, not only because it looks chic with the matte black steel exterior but because of all the added features included. Only the regulator for propane gas is included, so if you'd prefer butane instead or have some leftovers from an old gas grill, you'll need to buy a regulator separately.
Pros
- Looks great
- Separate grilling spaces
Cons
- Takes a fair bit of assembly
Best portable hybrid BBQ
Description
CosmoGrill's outdoor XL Smoker and barbecue grill is an affordable solution to your barbecuing needs this year and gives you plenty of space for all the burgers you could possibly crave and more.
Simple to assemble and easy to fire up, the CosmoGrill outdoor XL smoker and barbecue will endure the rip-roaring heat of a cook-up for years to come and will deliver plenty of flavour time and time again.
Pros
- Plenty of grilling and smoking space
- Easy to move
- Solid build quality
Cons
- No gas optionality
Best hybrid BBQ for large parties
Description
The BillyOh BBQ grill and charcoal smoker is an all-in-one powerhouse of flavour that's perfect for feeding the entire family while the warmer weather's here. This enormous three-burner grill comes equipped with side shelves, lower storage and lids for perfectly cooked meat in moments.
Check the temperature of the grill with a temperature gauge, and become the grill master this year in moments - this glorious barbecue is bound to revolutionise your barbecuing experience in a flash.
Pros
- Excellent sturdy design
- Easy to build
- Large grill space
Cons
- Tougher to clean than other BBQs
Best professional hybrid BBQ
www.johnlewis.com
Description
A premium, multi-function model, the John Lewis hybrid BBQ is perfect for those looking to go one step further and drift into the realms of professional barbecuing. This BBQ has it all. This luxury BBQ has the Grillstream system built-in, which means all your barbecuing is virtually flare-free and fat is streamed away, basting the food as it goes for extra succulent and juicy meats.
Pros
- Streams away fat
- In-built thermometer
Cons
- Advanced features may be unnecessary for newcomers
Buyer's guide
Are you thinking about switching from charcoal or gas to one of the best hybrid BBQs? Here's why that's a great idea, and what you need to look for, according to our experts here at What's The Best:
Opting to use gas means easier cleaning
If you love to host a lot of guests but hate tidying up after, using the gas option on a hybrid BBQ is a good option.
Gas is cheaper
Okay, so the initial cost of a hybrid can be pricey, but if you are cooking for a large party the running cost of using the gas option is a lot cheaper than any charcoal alternative.
Cook food quickly and then finish with charcoal
Did you know that you can cook your food faster on gas grills? We love that it reaches the ideal cooking temperature in no time at all. But even better, many of our recommendations can switch over to charcoal in a matter of seconds - meaning you can finish off the food with it for a more traditional taste and smell.
Temperature control of gas
You have a lot of control over the heat of your grill, which should stop you from burning your sausages.
Gas is easy to light, and so is charcoal on a hybrid
To be honest this is pretty self-explanatory as you'll never have trouble firing up your barbeque again. All that's left to do now is think about the best garden gazebos in case it rains.
Consider cooking capacity and storage
You may not think you'll ever need to cook for more than a small handful of guests. But you may get the BBQ bug and the moment you decide to hold a larger party you'll be stumped. So, we recommend that you buy the next size up from the model you may be initially drawn to.
Secondly, don't forget that once your food is cooked, you'll probably need to make space for more on the grill. So, unless you already have an outside trolley for this, you may need a hybrid BBQ with a built-in shelf or warming rack.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hybrid BBQ?
A hybrid BBQ is one that allows you to switch between gas and charcoal whenever you like or use them both simultaneously.
Is a hybrid BBQ any good?
Hybrid BBQs have started growing in popularity over the last few years and for good reason.
With a hybrid, you can choose to use gas one day, charcoal the other, or both at the same time to achieve that smoky BBQ flavour. Plus gas cooks faster. So, if you start out on charcoal but need to speed things up, switch to gas halfway and your meal will be cooked in minutes.
Lighting up your BBQ is also much easier with a hybrid BBQ. You no longer need to worry about getting lighter fluid or paraffin cubes. Simply turn the gas burners on and your charcoal will be ready to cook.
Why go from charcoal or gas to a hybrid BBQ?
As mentioned above, the main reason why you should switch is that you can start cooking quickly but finish off with charcoal if you prefer. The flexibility to go for gas for easier cooking or both at once is excellent.. As is ditching the gas for those times when you want a more typical barbeque flavour. Of course, if you're more of the 'have BBQ -will travel' type you may be better off going with a more portable gas-only solution, like the Weber Traveller we reviewed.
Are hybrid BBQs safe?
There are risks with all types of cooking. Gas and charcoal BBQs are safe when used properly. Always read the instructions, and check out the Gas Safe Register for advice on staying safe while using gas equipment.
Can a hybrid BBQ catch fire?
Whenever you're using a gas BBQ, you should always ensure you have an extinguisher, gloves, and safety equipment with you. Without proper cleaning, grease can ignite a fire. If this does happen, turn off your BBQ.
Can you use any cooking charcoal or gas on a hybrid BBQ?
Yes, though it's worth checking the manufacturer's instruction manual in case they have any requirements or recommendations.
The BBQ brand Outback, for example, recommends that you use their Hybrid Charcoal Briquettes for their charcoal, and John Lewis recommends propane or patio gas cylinder bottles ranging in sizes from 3kg to 13kg for their gas.
Marina Avraam is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best and also writes for Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.
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