Standing in front of a grill display, torn between the convenience of gas and the flavor of charcoal? You’re not alone. Thousands of backyard chefs face this same dilemma every spring. The solution isn’t choosing one and regretting the other. It’s finding a dual fuel grill that gives you both.
Enter the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo with Side Burner. This 3-burner propane BBQ grill with a dedicated charcoal section finally answers the question every outdoor cook has asked: why can’t I have both?
I’ve spent weeks testing this outdoor cooking versatility machine. I’ve seared steaks over charcoal, slow-cooked ribs with propane, and used the side burner for sauces and sides. The enamel coated grates have survived my aggressive scrubbing. The heavy-duty stand hasn’t wobbled once.
This isn’t just another backyard BBQ station. It’s a complete outdoor kitchen solution for people who refuse to compromise. Whether you’re feeding a crowd on Saturday afternoon or smoking a chicken for Sunday dinner, this combo grill handles it all.
Let me walk you through everything this grill offers. By the end, you’ll understand why dual fuel isn’t a gimmick – it’s the smartest grilling investment you’ll ever make.
Overview: What Makes the LAUDLIFE Combo Grill Different?
Most grills force you to pick a side. Gas grill manufacturers will tell you propane is faster and cleaner. Charcoal loyalists will argue that briquettes and lump wood create flavors gas can never replicate. Both groups are right. And both groups are missing the point.
The LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo eliminates the debate entirely. It gives you a 3-burner propane system on one side and a dedicated charcoal chamber on the other. A side burner attaches to the right, giving you a third cooking zone.
This isn’t two separate grills welded together. It’s a thoughtfully designed system where each fuel type works independently. You can fire up just the gas side for a quick weeknight dinner. Or light charcoal for a low-and-slow weekend smoke. Or run both simultaneously when you’re hosting twenty people.
The total cooking area is substantial. You’ll fit a dozen burgers, two racks of ribs, or a whole chicken with room to spare. The side burner handles your baked beans, grilled vegetables, or melting butter for lobster tails.
Who is this grill for?
- Home cooks who want restaurant-quality results
- Entertainers who need flexibility for large groups
- Beginners who want to learn both gas and charcoal techniques
- Experienced grillers tired of owning multiple cookers
- Anyone with limited patio space who needs one do-it-all machine
Key Features Breakdown
Let me walk you through every component of this LAUDLIFE grill. I’ll tell you what works, what surprised me, and what you should know before buying.
Three Propane Burners with Precision Control
The gas side features three stainless steel burners. Each burner delivers consistent heat across the entire cooking surface. No cold spots. No flare-ups that burn one side of your chicken while the other stays raw.
The control knobs offer precise temperature adjustment. Low settings maintain about 250°F for smoking or keeping food warm. High settings blast past 600°F for serious searing.
I tested the heat distribution by covering the grates with sliced bread. Every slice toasted evenly regardless of position. That’s rare in grills under $500.
Gas burner specifications:
- 10,000 BTU per main burner (30,000 BTU total from gas side)
- Piezo ignition system (starts on first click, no batteries needed)
- Individual flame control for zone cooking
- Stainless steel construction resists rust and corrosion
Charcoal Section for Authentic Smoky Flavor
The charcoal chamber sits beside the gas burners. It’s deep enough to hold a full chimney starter’s worth of briquettes. An adjustable charcoal tray lets you raise or lower the coals for temperature control.
Close the vents to reduce oxygen and lower the temperature for smoking. Open them wide for searing heat that caramelizes steak crust like a steakhouse.
The charcoal side doesn’t try to be fancy. It’s a simple, effective design that does one thing perfectly: delivers that unmistakable wood-fired flavor you can’t fake with gas.
What surprised me most? The charcoal side reaches cooking temperature faster than I expected. With a charcoal chimney starter, I had glowing coals in 12 minutes. That’s competitive with many gas grills.
Side Burner Adds Third Cooking Zone
The 12,000 BTU side burner attaches to the right side of the main grill. This isn’t an afterthought. It’s a fully functional burner with its own control knob and wind guard.
Side burner uses I actually love:
- Simmering barbecue sauce without running inside to the kitchen stove
- Sautéing onions and peppers for sausage sandwiches
- Boiling corn on the cob while burgers cook on the main grates
- Keeping baked beans warm without occupying grill space
- Melting butter for seafood boils
- Cooking breakfast when camping or tailgating
The side burner lid doubles as a side shelf when closed. Fair warning: the lid gets hot when the burner runs underneath. Use a trivet or hot pad before placing anything on it.
Non-Stick Enamel Coated Grates
Here’s where LAUDLIFE made a smart choice. The cooking grates feature a porcelain enamel coating over cast iron. This combination gives you the heat retention of cast iron without the high-maintenance seasoning routine.
Why enamel coated grates matter:
Food releases easily. I flipped delicate fish fillets without tearing the skin. Chicken thighs didn’t leave half their skin behind. Even sticky teriyaki wings slid right off the grates.
Cleaning takes thirty seconds. A grill brush wiped away residue without fighting caked-on carbon. The non-stick surface means you won’t spend Sunday mornings scrubbing.
Rust resistance comes standard. Traditional cast iron grates require oiling after every use. These enamel coated grates shrug off moisture. I left the grill uncovered during a weekend rainstorm (accidentally, I promise) and found zero rust.
The only downside? Enamel can chip if you drop something heavy on it. Treat the grates with reasonable care and they’ll last years.
Heavy-Duty Stand for Backyard Stability
This grill sits on a reinforced steel frame with four locking casters. The stand feels solid. No shaking when you open the lid. No wobbling when you slide a heavy brisket onto the grates.
The casters lock firmly. Position the grill on your patio, lock the wheels, and it stays put. Unlock two casters and the grill moves easily for cleaning or storage.
Two side shelves fold down when not in use. They’re made from powder-coated steel and hold plates, tools, or a beer without sagging. Bottom shelf stores a bag of charcoal, wood chips, or your grill tool set.
Stand specifications:
- Powder-coated steel construction
- 4 locking casters (2 locking, 2 swivel)
- Foldable side shelves
- Bottom storage rack
- Tool hooks on both sides
Performance Testing: How This Dual Fuel Grill Actually Cooks
I tested this LAUDLIFE grill for three weeks. I cooked fourteen meals. Here’s what happened.
Gas Side Performance
The propane burners heat quickly. From cold start to 400°F took about seven minutes. That’s competitive with name-brand gas grills costing twice as much.
Temperature consistency impressed me. I set the burners to medium-low (around 350°F) and cooked a whole beer-can chicken. The breast meat stayed moist. The thigh meat cooked through. No rotation needed.
High heat searing works beautifully. I preheated on maximum for ten minutes. The grates hit 600°F according to my infrared thermometer. Ribeye steaks developed a dark crust in ninety seconds per side.
The grease management system directs drippings into a removable tray. Cleanup involves pulling out the tray and dumping the contents. The tray holds a lot before needing emptying – I cooked three meals before bothering.
Charcoal Side Performance
The charcoal chamber holds about sixty briquettes at full capacity. That’s enough for a two-hour cook at 350°F. For longer smokes, you’ll add coals every sixty to ninety minutes.
Vent control gives you genuine temperature management. Open both vents fully for searing (450-600°F). Close the bottom vent halfway and the top vent slightly for smoking (225-275°F).
Smoke flavor penetrates food properly. I smoked a rack of ribs for three hours using applewood chunks. The smoke ring was visible. The bark was flavorful without being bitter. That’s the charcoal advantage no gas grill can match.
The ash catcher sits beneath the charcoal tray. It’s removable and easy to dump. No ashes blowing across your patio.
Running Both Sides Simultaneously
This is where the combo grill shines brightest. Imagine cooking a complete meal without juggling timing or running inside to use the stove.
I hosted eight people for a Saturday barbecue. Gas side cooked twenty burgers at once. Charcoal side seared tri-tip for the adults who wanted smoked flavor. Side burner simmered baked beans and sautéed mushrooms.
Everything finished within five minutes of each other. I wasn’t running between different cookers. I wasn’t asking guests to wait while I rotated food. The LAUDLIFE grill managed the whole meal from one station.
Pros and Cons
Let me be completely honest. No grill is perfect. Here’s what I love about this LAUDLIFE combo grill and what could improve.
Pros
True dual fuel versatility – Most “combo” grills offer a tiny charcoal tray as an afterthought. This LAUDLIFE gives you full-sized dedicated sections for both fuels. You’re not compromising on cooking area for either method.
Enamel coated grates change the game – Once you cook on non-stick grates, you’ll never want to go back. Cleanup is effortless. Food releases perfectly. No rust worries.
Side burner adds real utility – This isn’t a decorative add-on. The side burner has enough power to boil water and enough control to simmer. It genuinely replaces having a camp stove or second burner.
Heavy-duty construction – The stand doesn’t wobble. The lid doesn’t flex. The casters roll smoothly. This grill feels substantial in a way sub-$300 grills don’t.
Excellent value – Buying a separate gas grill, charcoal kettle, and side burner would cost 2-3 times as much and take triple the patio space.
Cons
Assembly requires patience – The instructions are adequate but not excellent. Budget two hours for assembly. Having a second person helps significantly.
Charcoal side lacks precision vent controls – Dedicated charcoal smokers offer multiple dampers for fine-tuning airflow. This grill has one bottom vent and one top vent. You can maintain temperatures but not with surgical precision.
Side burner lid gets very hot – The lid doubles as a shelf but heats dangerously when the burner runs. Always use a trivet or assume the lid is too hot for anything heat-sensitive.
No built-in thermometer – Knowing the temperature inside the grill requires an external thermometer. For a grill at this price point, a dome thermometer would be nice.
Enamel can chip – The non-stick coating is durable but not indestructible. Dropping a cast iron skillet onto the grate could chip the enamel. Use reasonable care.
Questions and Answers
Is this grill really big enough for a family?
Yes. The total cooking area across both fuel sides plus the side burner handles family meals easily. A family of four will use just the gas side or just the charcoal side for most meals. The dual fuel design shines when entertaining eight or more people.
Can I use this grill for smoking?
You can smoke on the charcoal side with good results. Use wood chunks or chips mixed with charcoal. Control temperature with the vents. For short smokes (ribs, chicken, pork shoulder under 5 pounds), this grill works great. For dedicated competition-level smoking, you’d want a specialized smoker with thicker walls and more precise dampers.
How hard is it to clean the enamel coated grates?
Surprisingly easy. Let the grates cool slightly (still warm, not hot). Scrub with a grill brush or crumpled aluminum foil. The non-stick surface releases debris without fighting. For deep cleaning, remove the grates and wash with soapy water. Dry thoroughly before reinstalling.
Does the charcoal side use a lot of fuel?
The charcoal chamber holds about sixty briquettes. That’s comparable to a standard 22-inch kettle grill. A single bag of charcoal gives you 4-6 cooks depending on duration and temperature. If you use only the charcoal side for every cook, expect to buy charcoal every two to three weeks with frequent use.
Will the gas side ever leak propane?
All gas grills require proper connection and occasional leak checking. Use soapy water on the propane connection after attaching the tank. Bubbles indicate a leak. Tighten the connection or replace the regulator. This is standard safety for any propane grill, not a problem specific to LAUDLIFE.
Can I convert this grill to natural gas?
The standard model uses propane. LAUDLIFE does not include natural gas conversion parts. Check with the manufacturer before attempting any conversion. Using unapproved conversion parts voids warranties and creates safety risks.
How weather-resistant is this grill?
The stand and body use powder-coated steel and stainless steel in most parts. This resists rust better than painted steel. The enamel coated grates resist rust significantly better than bare cast iron. That said, protect any grill with a cover when not in use. A $20 cover adds years of life.
What tools do I need for assembly?
You’ll need a Phillips head screwdriver and an adjustable wrench. The grill comes with most necessary hardware. Having a second person helps hold parts while you attach them. Clear a large work area before starting.
What’s in the Box?
Unboxing the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo reveals a well-packaged set of components:
- Main grill body (gas and charcoal sections pre-assembled)
- Heavy-duty stand with four casters
- Three porcelain enamel coated cooking grates
- Two side shelves (foldable)
- Side burner assembly with lid
- Grease tray and drip pan
- Charcoal tray and ash catcher
- Regulator and propane hose
- Hardware kit with tools
- Assembly manual
The grill does not include a propane tank, charcoal, or grill cover. Purchase these separately before your first cook.
Assembly Tips From Someone Who Built It
I built this grill myself. Here’s what I wish I knew before starting.
Clear a large floor space. Cardboard on the garage floor works perfectly. Open all boxes and sort hardware before reading instructions. LAUDLIFE uses labeled hardware bags but verifying everything exists saves frustration later.
Attach the casters first. The stand needs to roll before you add weight. Lock the casters once the stand is upright.
The side burner attaches with four bolts. This step confused me because the instructions show the burner mounting differently than reality. Look at the pre-drilled holes. Match the burner bracket to the holes. It fits only one way.
Enamel coated grates install last. They’re heavy. Don’t drop them onto the burners. Set them gently into position.
Do the soapy water leak test on the propane connection before lighting the grill. This takes three minutes and prevents dangerous gas leaks.
Total assembly time for me was one hour and forty-five minutes working alone. With a helper, expect about seventy minutes.
Maintenance and Care
Keeping this LAUDLIFE grill in top condition requires minimal effort. Follow these guidelines.
After every cook: Brush the enamel coated grates while still warm. Empty the grease tray if full. Close the lid.
Weekly: Remove grates and wash with soapy water. Dry completely. Clean the burner tubes of any debris. Empty the ash catcher on the charcoal side. Wipe down exterior surfaces.
Monthly: Inspect the propane hose for cracks. Check all bolts for tightness. Clean the vent openings on the charcoal side. Lubricate caster wheels if they squeak.
Seasonally: Deep clean the entire grill interior. Replace the propane tank if expired. Check for rust on the stand and touch up with high-heat paint if needed.
The enamel coated grates specifically require no seasoning. Never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners on them. Stick to nylon brushes, grill stones, or soapy water with a soft sponge.
How This Compares to Other Dual Fuel Grills
The dual fuel grill market has several options. Here’s how LAUDLIFE differentiates itself.
vs. Char-Griller Duo: Similar dual fuel design. The Char-Griller offers more cooking area but uses traditional cast iron grates. LAUDLIFE’s enamel coated grates clean much easier and resist rust better. LAUDLIFE also includes a larger side burner.
vs. Dyna-Glo Dual Fuel: Dyna-Glo focuses on budget pricing. Their stand feels flimsier. Burner controls lack precision. The LAUDLIFE build quality justifies the moderate price increase.
vs. Buying separate gas and charcoal grills: Two grills cost more money and consume much more patio space. You’ll also walk back and forth constantly during cooking. One combo grill simplifies everything.
vs. Pellet grills: Pellet grills offer convenience but lower maximum temperatures for searing. The LAUDLIFE charcoal side sears at 600°F+. Pellet grills typically max around 450°F. Different tools for different cooking styles.
The LAUDLIFE wins on value and cleaning convenience. The enamel coated grates alone justify choosing this over competitors with traditional cast iron.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy This Grill?
After three weeks of serious testing, I’m confident recommending the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo to specific types of buyers.
Buy this grill if:
- You want both gas convenience and charcoal flavor
- Your patio space won’t fit two separate grills
- You hate scrubbing traditional cast iron grates
- You cook for 4-10 people regularly
- You want a side burner for sauces and sides
- You’re budget-conscious but refuse flimsy construction
- You’re new to grilling and want to learn both methods
Skip this grill if:
- You only use one fuel type (buy a specialized single-fuel grill instead)
- You need competition-level smoking precision
- Your patio is too small even for this compact design
- You want natural gas without conversion hassle
- You absolutely require a built-in thermometer
For everyone else, this LAUDLIFE dual fuel grill delivers exceptional value. The cooking flexibility changes how you approach outdoor meals. The enamel coated grates make cleanup something you don’t dread. The side burner adds genuine utility you’ll use more often than expected.
The honest truth? I didn’t expect much from a grill at this price point. I was wrong. This combo cooker performs like equipment costing twice as much. LAUDLIFE focused spending on what matters: burners, grates, and build quality. They skipped unnecessary bells and whistles that drive up prices without improving food.
Your burgers will taste better when you have options. Your steaks will improve when you can sear over charcoal and finish with gas precision. Your guests will compliment the variety when you cook across three zones simultaneously.
Ready to Upgrade Your Backyard Grilling?
The LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo solves the oldest debate in outdoor cooking. Stop choosing between speed and flavor. Stop cleaning two separate grills. Stop running inside to use your kitchen stove while your barbecue gets cold.
This dual fuel grill delivers the outdoor cooking versatility you’ve been looking for. The enamel coated grates make cleanup almost enjoyable. Your patio finally gets the backyard BBQ station it deserves.
Click below to check the current price on Amazon. Check the customer photos to see this grill in real backyards. Read the latest reviews from other owners. Then join the dual fuel family and start cooking without compromise.
[Click Here to See the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo on Amazon]
Your perfect barbecue is one grill away. Don’t settle. Get both.
