7 Best Convertible BBQ Gas to Charcoal Grills 2026: No More Choosing

There’s a very specific kind of kitchen-table argument that happens in gardens up and down Britain every bank holiday: one person wants the smoky, slightly theatrical flavour of charcoal, the other wants dinner on the table before the football starts. A convertible bbq gas to charcoal grill ends that argument permanently. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a single barbecue that switches between gas burners and charcoal fuel, sometimes in as little as sixty seconds, so nobody has to compromise on flavour or convenience ever again.

We’ve gone through genuine manufacturer specifications, aggregated customer review sentiment, and honest side-by-side comparisons of seven real grills currently sold on Amazon UK, from true single-chamber conversion designs to clever dual-zone hybrids that run both fuels at once. This isn’t a copy-paste of an Amazon listing. It’s a proper breakdown of why the mechanism matters as much as the price tag, because a “dual fuel” badge on a box can mean wildly different things depending on the engineering underneath it.

Whether you’re upgrading from a single rusting charcoal kettle, replacing a gas grill that’s started to feel a bit one-note, or simply trying to keep both the traditionalist and the time-poor cook in your household happy, there’s a genuinely sensible option here. As the RoSPA outdoor safety guidance rightly stresses, both gas and charcoal cooking carry their own risks when handled carelessly, so we’ll cover the sensible safety side too, not just the shiny features. Let’s get into what’s actually worth your money.

Quick Comparison Table

Scanning across the table, there’s a genuine engineering split worth understanding before you spend a penny. The Char-Broil Gas2Coal range physically converts one cooking chamber between fuels, swapping grates and trays, while the Charles Bentley, VonHaus, CosmoGrill, and Outback models instead give you two permanently separate cooking areas side by side. Neither approach is objectively better, but they suit very different habits: true conversion grills reward households who mostly use one fuel per session, while dual-zone grills reward hosts who genuinely want gas and charcoal running simultaneously for a bigger spread.

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Top 7 Convertible BBQ Gas to Charcoal Grills: Expert Analysis

1. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 210 — best budget true conversion grill

The standout feature is refreshingly literal: this genuinely converts from a gas barbecue to a charcoal barbecue in three simple steps, no tools required, and Char-Broil backs that claim with a patented charcoal tray that slots straight into the same cooking chamber the gas burners normally heat. Two stainless steel burners sit beneath cast iron grates, and rather than needing lighter fluid, you simply pour charcoal into the tray and ignite it using the gas flame underneath, a genuinely clever bit of design that removes one of charcoal cooking’s most annoying steps.

Based on the spec comparison with pricier siblings in the range, the 210 trades a side burner and extra grilling width for a compact footprint that suits smaller patios and first gas charcoal conversion grill purchases rather than serious entertaining. It’s the pick for someone who wants to try both cooking styles without committing serious garden real estate or budget upfront. Owners consistently mention how satisfying it is to light charcoal without faff, though a few note the compact grilling area fills up fast once burgers, sausages, and veg are all vying for space.

Pros:

• ✅ Genuine single-chamber gas-to-charcoal conversion
• ✅ Compact footprint suits smaller gardens and patios
• ✅ No lighter fluid needed to start charcoal

Cons:

• ❌ Smaller grilling area than larger siblings
• ❌ No side burner included at this size

Expect a price in the £180-£230 range, making this the most accessible genuine convertible grill system on this list.

2. Charles Bentley 2+1 Dual Fuel BBQ — best budget dual-zone switchable option

Rather than converting one chamber, the Charles Bentley takes the dual-zone route: a two-burner gas side sits alongside a dedicated charcoal grill, both under one hood, letting you run either independently or both together depending on the night. The frame includes a built-in thermometer, a firebox for the charcoal side, a control panel for the gas burners, and a warming rack for keeping food hot while the rest of the spread finishes cooking.

What most buyers overlook about separate-zone designs like this one is that they let you sear on gas while something low-and-slow smoulders away on charcoal at the same time, a genuine advantage over true conversion grills that can only run one fuel per session. This suits families who entertain regularly and want that flexibility built in from day one, rather than anyone chasing the absolute cheapest single-fuel grill on the market. Reviewers generally praise the value for the feature set, though a handful mention that cleaning the charcoal side thoroughly takes a bit more elbow grease than the gas side.

Pros:

• ✅ Gas and charcoal zones can run simultaneously
• ✅ Built-in thermometer and warming rack included
• ✅ Strong value for a genuinely dual-fuel design

Cons:

• ❌ Charcoal side needs more thorough cleaning
• ❌ Bulkier than single-chamber conversion grills

Typically priced in the £150-£200 range, this is a sensible entry point for families wanting genuine multi fuel barbecue flexibility on a budget.

3. VonHaus Hybrid Dual Fuel BBQ — best switchable fuel bbq with smoker mode

The standout here is versatility stacked on versatility: alongside separate gas and charcoal grilling zones, the charcoal side doubles as a proper smoker when you close off the chimney and add wood chips, giving you a genuinely American-style low-and-slow option most dual fuel grills simply don’t offer. The gas side runs three burners totalling 24,000 BTU, while the charcoal grill offers height-adjustable coals for finer heat control.

Here’s what to weigh: this is a grill built for people who see barbecuing as a hobby rather than a Tuesday-night convenience, since the smoker function genuinely rewards patience and experimentation rather than quick weeknight cooking. It suits weekend enthusiasts who want to try their hand at ribs or pulled pork without buying a dedicated smoker as a separate purchase. Aggregated review sentiment highlights the impressive heat output and the flexibility of the height-adjustable charcoal tray, while a few buyers note that assembly takes a genuinely committed afternoon rather than a quick half hour.

Pros:

• ✅ Doubles as a proper wood-chip smoker
• ✅ Height-adjustable charcoal tray for heat control
• ✅ Strong 24,000 BTU gas output for fast cooking

Cons:

• ❌ Assembly is lengthy and fiddly
• ❌ Larger footprint than basic dual-zone models

Sitting in the £200-£260 range, this represents strong value for anyone wanting genuine smoker capability alongside standard grilling.

4. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 330 — best mid-range convertible grill system

This is the model that made the phrase “gas2coal” a genuine category rather than a gimmick, and the standout feature remains the same three-step conversion process scaled up across three stainless steel burners and a full-width cast iron grate. A dedicated side burner handles sauces or vegetables, a lid-mounted temperature gauge keeps you honest about internal heat, and the whole unit sits on wheels for effortless repositioning around the garden.

Based on the spec comparison against the smaller 210, the extra burner and side-burner combination make this genuinely capable of feeding four to six people rather than a couple, without sacrificing the conversion mechanism that makes the range special in the first place. One detailed owner account described the assembly as needing two people, particularly when lifting the main grill section into place, but praised the fast, even heat distribution on the very first cook. It’s a strong middle ground for households who want real fuel switching convenience without paying premium prices.

Pros:

• ✅ Genuine gas-to-charcoal conversion in under 60 seconds
• ✅ Side burner adds real everyday versatility
• ✅ Electronic ignition and lid-mounted temperature gauge

Cons:

• ❌ Assembly is genuinely a two-person job
• ❌ Charcoal tray storage slot feels slightly tight

Expect this to sit in the £250-£320 range, a fair mid-tier investment for a genuinely reliable convertible grill system.

5. CosmoGrill Hybrid DUO 3+1 — best offset smoker chamber for flavour enthusiasts

The standout feature is the offset charcoal fire chamber, which delivers a genuinely authentic smoke ring and a crisp bark on meats that most dual-zone grills simply can’t replicate, thanks to adjustable air vents that let you fine-tune the flavour profile session by session. Three stainless steel gas burners plus a side burner deliver a combined 9.35kW output, and cast iron grates hold heat consistently enough that constant meat rotation becomes largely unnecessary.

What the spec sheet won’t tell you, but the layout implies, is that this is the pick for anyone who’s watched enough barbecue competition shows to want a genuine “pitmaster” experience at home, rather than someone who simply wants dinner cooked quickly. Four castor wheels and a spacious bottom shelf make it practical for regular use despite its serious cooking credentials. Reviewers consistently highlight how much easier cleaning is thanks to removable grills and a dedicated grease tray, a detail that matters enormously once you’ve used the offset smoker a few times and seen how much residue builds up.

Pros:

• ✅ Genuine offset smoker chamber for authentic flavour
• ✅ Strong 9.35kW combined gas output
• ✅ Removable grills and grease tray simplify cleaning

Cons:

• ❌ Learning curve for genuine smoking technique
• ❌ Larger footprint demands more patio space

Priced in the £280-£350 range, this suits enthusiasts prepared to pay a little more for genuinely serious smoke flavour.

6. Outback Dual Fuel Trolley BBQ — best multi-cook plate system for large gatherings

The standout feature here is the multi-cook system: two interchangeable cook plates plus the classic griddle grate mean you can genuinely run three different cooking surfaces across one dual fuel barbecue, on top of the double-lined roasting hood that lets you slow-cook with the lid down like an outdoor oven. Twin piezo-lit burners on the gas side ignite in seconds, while a tilt-out charcoal storage drawer and height-adjustable charcoal basket give the solid-fuel side genuine precision.

This is best suited to households who regularly host larger gatherings and want real menu variety, searing on one plate, slow-roasting under the hood, griddling vegetables on another surface, rather than anyone after a simple, compact weeknight grill. One long-term owner account praised the flexibility of using it as an extra outdoor oven for years, though also flagged that the thinner-gauge powder-coated steel on some panels can rust over time without a decent cover and consistent post-use cleaning. It’s a genuinely premium proposition, but the versatility on offer is difficult to match elsewhere on this list.

Pros:

• ✅ Multi-cook system with interchangeable plates
• ✅ Double-lined hood doubles as an outdoor oven
• ✅ Tilt-out charcoal drawer for quick access

Cons:

• ❌ Thinner steel panels can rust without a quality cover
• ❌ Time-consuming assembly, allow a couple of hours

Usually priced in the £400-£480 range, this is a premium pick that earns its cost through genuine cooking versatility rather than flashy extras.

7. Char-Broil Gas2Coal 440 (2.0) — best premium simultaneous dual-fuel conversion grill

The flagship of the range solves a problem the smaller Gas2Coal models can’t: this is the only true conversion grill here with two charcoal trays, meaning you can genuinely run gas and charcoal cooking at the same time within one converted chamber, rather than choosing one fuel per session. Four stainless steel burners sit beneath porcelain-coated cast iron grates, an internal cabinet stores a full gas bottle behind large access doors, and an integrated bottle opener is a small but genuinely appreciated touch on a grill this considered.

Based on the spec comparison against the 330, the jump to dual charcoal trays and a full four-burner gas array makes this the pick for larger households or anyone hosting regularly enough that switching fuels mid-cook, rather than between sessions, becomes a real advantage rather than a novelty. What the spec sheet won’t tell you, but the layout confirms, is that the enclosed gas bottle storage also tidies up the overall look considerably compared with grills that leave the cylinder exposed at the side. This is the most expensive item here, but for a household that genuinely uses both fuels often, it’s arguably the only model on this list that removes the need to choose at all.

Pros:

• ✅ Dual charcoal trays for simultaneous gas and charcoal use
• ✅ Four-burner gas array with enclosed bottle storage
• ✅ Porcelain-coated, rust-resistant cast iron grates

Cons:

• ❌ Highest price point on this list
• ❌ Significant floor space required even when idle

Expect a price in the £450-£550 range, justified for larger households who would otherwise need two separate barbecues.

Practical Usage Guide: Converting Your BBQ From Gas to Charcoal in Minutes

Converting a true conversion grill like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal range genuinely takes under a minute once you know the sequence, but it’s worth walking through slowly the first time rather than rushing. Start by removing the standard cooking grates, then slot the patented charcoal tray into its designated slot, usually stored just below the branded emblem on the cabinet when not in use. Spread charcoal evenly across the tray rather than piling it centrally, since even distribution is what prevents the hot-spot flare-ups that catch out first-time users.

Replace the grates over the tray, then use the electronic ignition to light the gas burners underneath the charcoal itself, no lighter fluid required at any point. Leave the lid closed for ten to fifteen minutes to let the charcoal properly catch, then switch off the gas burners entirely and wait a further five minutes for the coals to turn properly white-hot before you start cooking. A common mistake in the first thirty days is skipping that final waiting period out of impatience, which leaves you cooking over smoky, unevenly lit charcoal rather than the clean, consistent heat the system is designed to produce.

Maintenance-wise, empty and brush out the charcoal tray after every use once fully cooled, since leftover ash retains moisture and accelerates rust far faster than most owners expect. For dual-zone grills, treat each side’s maintenance separately: gas burners need an occasional check for spider webs or blockages in the venturi tubes, while charcoal grates benefit from a stiff wire brush while still slightly warm, well before food debris has a chance to bake on hard.

Real-World Scenarios: Matching Fuel Switching Convenience to Your Cooking Habits

Picture a young couple in a terraced house with a modest patio, cooking for two most weeknights but occasionally hosting six or seven friends at the weekend. A compact true conversion grill like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 210 makes genuine sense here: quick gas cooking on a Tuesday, a proper charcoal session when the weekend crowd arrives, all from one unit that doesn’t demand serious storage space.

Now picture a family who host most Sundays through summer, want burgers ready in fifteen minutes for the kids, but also enjoy a slow-smoked joint of pork for the adults later in the afternoon. A dual-zone grill such as the Charles Bentley or CosmoGrill genuinely earns its keep here, since running both fuels simultaneously means nobody’s waiting around for one cooking style to finish before the next begins.

Finally, consider a household that regularly caters larger garden parties, twenty guests, varied dietary needs, and genuinely wants restaurant-style menu flexibility without three separate appliances. The Outback’s multi-cook plate system or the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 440’s simultaneous dual-fuel capability both solve this properly, letting one grill do the work that would otherwise need a separate griddle, smoker, and standard barbecue combined.

Problem → Solution: Adaptable Cooking Fuel Headaches Solved

Problem 1: You never know which fuel to commit to before guests arrive. Choose a true conversion grill so the decision can be made on the day, gas if time is tight, charcoal if you’ve got the afternoon to enjoy the process properly.

Problem 2: Charcoal takes too long to light and you’re worried about lighter fluid taste. Every grill on this list solves this by letting the gas burners ignite the charcoal directly, so no fluid, no chemical aftertaste, and a genuinely faster start than a traditional chimney starter.

Problem 3: You’re unsure how to store a gas cylinder safely between uses. This matters more than most buyers initially consider. The Gas Safe Register’s own barbecue safety guidance stresses that gas cylinders should always be stored upright, outdoors, and away from direct sunlight or sources of ignition, and it’s worth reading their full BBQ safety advice before your first cookout of the season, regardless of which grill you buy.

Problem 4: Two different fuel types feel like double the cleaning. Dual-zone grills with removable grease trays and grates, like the CosmoGrill and Outback, genuinely reduce this burden compared with older combined designs, since each side can be cleaned independently without dismantling the whole unit.

Problem 5: You’re not confident switching fuels won’t damage the grill over time. Purpose-built conversion trays and grates, like those on the Char-Broil range, are specifically engineered for repeated fuel switching, so this isn’t a workaround being forced onto a single-fuel design, it’s the entire point of the product.

How to Choose a Convertible BBQ Gas to Charcoal Grill

Choosing the right convertible bbq gas to charcoal grill comes down to six practical criteria worth weighing against your household’s actual habits:

1. Conversion mechanism — decide whether you want a true single-chamber conversion or a permanent dual-zone layout, since they suit different cooking rhythms entirely.
2. Simultaneous fuel use — if you regularly cook different dishes at different speeds, prioritise a grill that can run both fuels at once.
3. Burner count and total output — more burners generally mean faster, more even gas cooking for larger groups.
4. Charcoal tray design — a dedicated, removable tray with even heat distribution beats a generic grate retrofit every time.
5. Storage and cleaning access — enclosed gas bottle storage and removable grease trays genuinely reduce ongoing hassle.
6. Footprint versus garden space — measure your patio before falling for the biggest, most feature-packed model on the list.

Gas Charcoal Conversion Grill vs Separate Dual-Zone: Which Wins?

This is genuinely the biggest decision buyers face, and the honest answer depends entirely on how you actually cook rather than which grill looks more impressive in photos. A gas charcoal conversion grill, like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal range, suits households who tend to use one fuel per session, quick gas midweek, proper charcoal at the weekend, since the entire cooking chamber switches over cleanly without needing double the footprint in the garden.

A separate dual-zone design earns its higher price and larger size when you genuinely want both fuels running together, searing sausages on gas while a joint smokes gently on charcoal a few feet away. The trade-off is honest: dual-zone grills take up considerably more patio space and generally cost more for equivalent burner counts, since you’re essentially buying two grills bolted together rather than one clever conversion mechanism. The practical takeaway: if fuel switching happens between sessions, buy a conversion grill; if it needs to happen within the same session, buy a dual-zone model, even at a higher price point.

Switchable Fuel BBQ for Different Cooking Styles and Audiences

A switchable fuel bbq genuinely serves different audiences depending on what “switching” means to them. For busy families, switching usually means speed on a Tuesday and flavour on a Saturday, which makes a straightforward true conversion grill like the Char-Broil 210 or 330 the sensible, uncomplicated choice. For genuine barbecue enthusiasts, switching often means layering techniques within a single cook, searing on gas, finishing low-and-slow on charcoal or wood smoke, which is precisely where the VonHaus’s smoker mode or CosmoGrill’s offset chamber earn their keep.

For larger households or regular entertainers, the switching decision is really about capacity rather than technique, since the Outback and Char-Broil 440 both solve the problem of feeding a crowd with varied tastes rather than optimising for a single perfect steak. Matching the audience to the mechanism, rather than simply buying the most expensive grill available, tends to produce far higher satisfaction months down the line.

Features That Actually Matter (And Those That Don’t)

Genuinely useful features worth paying for include a dedicated, removable charcoal tray rather than a generic grate workaround, electronic ignition that actually works reliably rather than needing three attempts, and enclosed gas bottle storage that tidies the overall footprint. A lid-mounted temperature gauge, while modest, genuinely helps beginners avoid the classic mistake of guessing internal heat.

Features that generate more marketing noise than genuine value include excessive side-table space beyond what you’ll realistically use, decorative bottle openers built into the frame, and grill counts that exceed what your household actually cooks for. A four-burner grill sounds impressive, but if you’re regularly cooking for two, that extra capacity mostly means more surface area to clean and more gas wasted heating space you’re not using.

Multi Fuel Barbecue: Long-Term Cost & Maintenance

Total cost of ownership for a multi fuel barbecue rarely stops at the purchase price, and it’s worth thinking honestly about running costs before committing. Gas remains the cheaper fuel per cooking session in most cases, while charcoal costs more per use but delivers the flavour that many buyers are specifically paying extra for in the first place, so the real saving comes from choosing the right fuel for the right occasion rather than defaulting to one out of habit.

Replacement parts, grates, charcoal trays, and burners, are widely available for established brands like Char-Broil, keeping long-term maintenance costs modest compared with replacing an entire unit. A decent waterproof cover is arguably the single best investment you can make regardless of which grill you choose, since rust on thinner steel panels is consistently the most common long-term complaint across nearly every model on this list, premium and budget alike.

Common Mistakes When Buying a Convertible Grill System

The most common mistake is assuming “dual fuel” always means the same thing across brands, when in reality it can describe either a true single-chamber conversion or a permanent dual-zone layout, two genuinely different products with very different footprints and use cases. Always check whether the charcoal and gas share one cooking area or sit in separate compartments before comparing prices.

A second frequent error is underestimating assembly time and difficulty, particularly on the larger dual-zone and premium models, several of which genuinely benefit from two people and a couple of hours rather than a quick solo job. Finally, many buyers skip checking whether a grill cover is included or needs buying separately, only to discover months later that untreated steel panels have started rusting from exposure they hadn’t planned for.

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Safety, Regulations and Fuel Storage for Gas and Charcoal BBQs

Running two fuel types under one roof means understanding two sets of safety guidance rather than just one, and it’s worth taking both seriously. RoSPA’s barbecue safety advice is clear that both fuel types carry genuine risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if used or stored incorrectly, particularly the warning that a cooling barbecue continues releasing carbon monoxide for hours, so it should never be brought indoors or stored in an enclosed space while still warm. It’s worth reading RoSPA’s full barbecue safety guidance before your first cook of the season.

Gas cylinders bring their own considerations on top of that. The Health and Safety Executive’s guidance on LPG confirms that cylinders should always be stored upright, outdoors, and away from direct heat sources, principles worth applying even at domestic scale, and their detailed LPG safety framework is a useful reference if you’re ever unsure. Practically, this means keeping your spare cylinder outside year-round, checking hose connections with soapy water for bubbles before each new season, and never storing charcoal ash in anything but a metal container until it’s been cold for at least 24 hours.

FAQ

Conclusion

Choosing between these seven grills ultimately comes down to being honest about how your household actually cooks, not how you imagine you might cook on an ambitious Saturday. If you tend to use one fuel per session, a true conversion grill like the Char-Broil Gas2Coal 210 or 330 offers genuine flexibility without unnecessary bulk. If you want both fuels running together, a dual-zone design like the Charles Bentley, VonHaus, or CosmoGrill earns its larger footprint. And for households feeding a genuine crowd with varied tastes, the Outback’s multi-cook system or the Char-Broil 440’s simultaneous dual-fuel capability are difficult to beat, even at a premium price.

Whatever you choose, remember that the mechanism matters as much as the marketing. A grill that genuinely converts cleanly between fuels will serve you honestly for years, while one that merely bolts two half-hearted systems together tends to disappoint on both fronts. Combine the right grill with sensible fuel storage and a decent cover, and you’ll likely get a full decade of arguments settled before dinner’s even served.

✨ Ready to End the Gas-or-Charcoal Debate?

🔍 Browse the seven convertible bbq gas to charcoal picks above and find the fuel switching setup that actually matches how your household cooks, whether that’s quick weeknight gas, proper weekend charcoal, or both at once

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