LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo
You know the dilemma. You love the rich, smoky flavor that only charcoal can deliver on a lazy Saturday afternoon. But on a busy Tuesday night, you just want to fire up the grill and have dinner ready in ten minutes without waiting for coals to ash over.
You shouldn’t have to choose.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo solves exactly this problem. It gives you both cooking methods in one sturdy, thoughtfully designed unit. Whether you’re a weekend barbecue enthusiast or a weeknight griller trying to get dinner on the table fast, this dual fuel grill adapts to how you actually cook.
I’ve spent time testing this propane BBQ grill with side burner across different scenarios—quick weeknight burgers, slow-smoked ribs, breakfast on the side burner, and full-blown backyard parties. Here’s everything you need to know before you decide whether this heavy-duty outdoor barbecue grill belongs on your patio.
The Problem This Grill Solves
Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t have unlimited patio space. We also don’t have unlimited budgets for multiple cooking appliances. Yet we want versatility—the ability to sear a steak over high-heat flames one day and slow-cook ribs with pecan smoke the next.
Traditional grills force a compromise. You buy propane, and you lose that authentic charcoal taste. You buy charcoal, and you lose the convenience of pushing a button to start cooking.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo eliminates that compromise entirely. It’s a single footprint on your patio but gives you two completely separate cooking systems. You’re not settling for a “hybrid” that does neither well. You’re getting dedicated charcoal space and dedicated gas burners that each work exactly as they should.
Who Is This Grill For?
This grill makes sense for several types of cooks:
- The busy parent who needs quick weeknight meals but wants real barbecue on weekends
- The apartment or townhome dweller with limited outdoor space who can’t store two separate grills
- The budget-conscious buyer who wants charcoal and gas capabilities without buying two appliances
- The backyard entertainer who cooks large quantities and needs multiple heat sources simultaneously
- The curious cook still learning their preferences who wants to experiment with both fuel types
If any of these sound like you, keep reading.
First Impressions & Build Quality
When the box arrives, you’ll notice this isn’t a flimsy, lightweight grill that will rust out after one season. The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo comes on a heavy-duty stand made from powder-coated steel. It feels solid under your hands—no wobbling, no cheap stamped metal.
Assembly takes about an hour with basic tools. The instructions are clear enough, though having a second pair of hands helps when attaching the side burner and main body to the cart.
Once assembled, the grill has a clean, professional look. The black finish with silver accents fits in anywhere from a suburban deck to a rustic cabin porch. The wheels on two legs let you roll it around, while the other two legs lock in place for stability during cooking.
Detailed Feature Breakdown
Dual Cooking Chambers
The standout feature is obvious: two separate cooking areas.
The gas side features three stainless steel burners producing a total of approximately 30,000 BTUs. That’s plenty of heat for searing steaks, cooking chicken thighs, or grilling vegetables. Each burner ignites independently with an electronic ignition system—push the button, hear the click, and you’ve got flame.
The charcoal side gives you that authentic live-fire experience. A removable charcoal tray holds standard briquettes or lump charcoal. An adjustable charcoal grate lets you raise or lower coals to control heat intensity. The built-in thermometer in the charcoal lid helps you monitor temps without constantly lifting the cover.
Here’s what makes this design smart: you can cook on both sides simultaneously. Imagine searing burgers on the gas side while corn on the cob roasts over charcoal on the other side. Or smoking a pork shoulder low and slow in the charcoal chamber while keeping baked beans warm on the gas side.
Side Burner
The included side burner is more useful than you might expect. It runs off the same propane tank as the gas grill—no extra fuel source needed.
This propane BBQ grill with side burner lets you:
- Cook sauces and gravies without running inside to the kitchen
- Sauté onions and peppers for sausages or fajitas
- Boil corn or potatoes while meat grills
- Keep a pot of beans or chili warm
- Fry fish or shrimp outdoors (keeps the fish smell out of your house)
The side burner puts out around 12,000 BTUs and has its own control knob. It lights with the same push-button ignition as the main burners.
Non-Stick Enamel Coating Grates
Cooking grates can make or break your grilling experience. Cheap wire grates rust quickly and stick to everything. The LAUDLIFE grill uses porcelain-enamel coated cast iron grates on both cooking chambers.
What does that mean for you?
- No more chicken skin stuck to the grill – the non-stick surface releases food cleanly
- Easy cleanup – a quick brush while warm and you’re done
- Rust resistance – the enamel coating protects the cast iron core
- Even heat distribution – cast iron retains and spreads heat beautifully
I’ve cooked delicate fish fillets and sticky barbecue chicken on these grates. Everything released without a fight. That alone saves you time and frustration after every meal.
Thermometers and Heat Control
Both cooking chambers include dome-mounted thermometers. The gas side thermometers let you monitor ambient temperature so you can actually bake or roast indirectly. The charcoal side thermometer helps you maintain low-and-slow smoking temperatures between 225°F and 275°F.
The gas burners give you precise control with individual knobs. Low, medium, high, and everything between. The charcoal side requires more attention but rewards you with that unmistakable flavor. The adjustable coal height is a game-changer—raise coals for searing, lower them for gentle roasting.
Performance Testing: Real Cooking Results
Quick Weeknight Dinner (Gas Only)
I fired up the gas side only, used two of the three burners, and had the grill to 400°F in about five minutes. Four chicken breasts went on, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and paprika. The non-stick grates meant I flipped without tearing the skin. Total cook time from cold start to plated dinner: 22 minutes.
The chicken had nice grill marks, cooked through evenly, and stayed juicy. No charcoal flavor obviously, but that’s not the point here. The point is speed and convenience, and this grill delivers.
Weekend Backyard Party (Both Sides)
For a gathering of eight people, I used both cooking chambers simultaneously. Gas side ran at medium heat for veggie skewers and hot dogs (the kids prefer them less smoky). Charcoal side ran hot for strip steaks and a whole spatchcocked chicken.
The side burner held a pot of barbecue beans that I kept warm throughout the meal. Total cooking surface accommodated everything without crowding. The only limitation was my own coordination—juggling two cooking methods takes practice. But by the second round of steaks, I had a rhythm.
Guests commented on the smoky flavor from the charcoal steaks. Nobody complained about the gas-cooked hot dogs either. Everyone ate well.
Low-and-Slow Smoking (Charcoal Only)
I loaded the charcoal side with lump charcoal and added apple wood chunks. Using the minion method (lighting just a few coals and letting them spread slowly), I maintained 250°F for five hours with occasional adjustments. A rack of pork ribs came out tender, smoky, and delicious.
The charcoal chamber’s lid seals reasonably well—not as tight as a dedicated smoker, but certainly adequate for backyard barbecue. The built-in thermometer read accurately compared to my separate probe thermometer.
Breakfast on the Side Burner
On a camping trip (okay, glamping in the backyard), I used only the side burner to cook bacon and eggs. The 12,000 BTUs heat a 10-inch skillet nicely. Bacon crisped up, eggs fried sunny-side up, and the kitchen stayed clean. This isn’t a primary use case, but it’s genuinely handy for tailgating or camping.
Pros and Cons
Pros
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Versatility | True charcoal and gas cooking in one footprint |
| Cooking surface | Ample space for feeding 6-8 people |
| Side burner | Adds stovetop functionality outdoors |
| Non-stick grates | Easy cleanup, no stuck food |
| Build quality | Heavy-duty stand feels stable and durable |
| Value | Cheaper than buying separate gas and charcoal grills |
| Ignition | Reliable push-button start on all burners |
Cons
| Category | Drawback |
|---|---|
| Size | Takes up more patio space than a single grill (about 53 inches wide) |
| Weight | Heavy to move even with wheels (around 85 pounds assembled) |
| Charcoal learning curve | Temperature management requires practice |
| No cover included | You’ll need to buy a separate cover for weather protection |
| Assembly time | Plan for 60-90 minutes with basic tools |
How It Compares to Other Combo Grills
The main competitor in this price range is the Char-Griller Duo or the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Combo. Here’s how the LAUDLIFE stacks up:
Vs. Char-Griller Duo: The LAUDLIFE has a more robust side burner (12K BTUs vs 10K). The non-stick grates are also superior to standard cast iron or steel options. Build quality feels comparable.
Vs. Oklahoma Joe’s: Oklahoma Joe’s has better smoke-sealing for serious barbecue enthusiasts. But it costs significantly more and lacks a side burner. The LAUDLIFE is better for someone who wants gas convenience as a primary feature, not just an afterthought.
Vs. buying two separate grills: A basic Weber kettle (150)plusabasicgasgrill(200-300) costs about the same as the LAUDLIFE. But two grills take twice the space and require two fuel sources (charcoal plus propane tank). The combo wins for space-saving and convenience.
Maintenance and Care
A grill that lasts requires basic maintenance. Here’s what to do:
After every cook: Brush the non-stick grates while still warm. The enamel coating cleans easily with a brass brush—don’t use steel wool or abrasive tools that might scratch.
Monthly: Empty the charcoal ash tray. Check the propane tank connection for leaks using soapy water. Clean the side burner ports with a toothpick if they clog.
Seasonally: Deep clean both chambers with a plastic scraper and grill cleaner. Inspect the enamel coating for chips (minor chips won’t ruin performance but should be noted). Oil the grates lightly before storing for winter.
Storage: Buy a grill cover. The heavy-duty stand resists rust, but the burners and side burner need protection from rain and snow. In harsh winter climates, store the propane tank separately.
Common Questions and Answers
Can I use both gas and charcoal at the same time?
Yes, absolutely. That’s the whole point of this gas and charcoal grill combo. Each side operates independently. You can run the gas burners while charcoal burns in the other chamber. Just keep the lids closed when not actively cooking to maintain temperatures.
Does the charcoal side smoke the food on the gas side?
No. The two chambers are separate. Your gas-grilled chicken won’t taste like smoke unless you want it to. However, smoke will drift from the charcoal side naturally—it’s an outdoor grill, after all. But the gas cooking chamber remains sealed from charcoal smoke infiltration.
How long does a propane tank last?
A standard 20-pound propane tank lasts about 15-20 hours of cooking time with all three burners on high. Using the side burner reduces that slightly. With normal use (3-4 times per week, 30 minutes each time), expect 3-4 weeks per tank.
Can I use wood chips for smoking on the charcoal side?
Yes. Soak wood chips for 30 minutes, drain them, and place them directly on the hot coals. Hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry all work beautifully. For longer smokes, wrap chips in aluminum foil with holes poked through—this slows combustion.
Is this grill difficult to assemble?
Assembly requires about an hour and basic hand tools (screwdrivers, adjustable wrench). The instructions are mostly clear, though the diagrams are small. Having a second person helps when attaching the main grill body to the wheeled cart. Most buyers report successful assembly without professional help.
Will the non-stick coating peel off?
High-quality porcelain enamel doesn’t peel under normal use. It bonds to the cast iron at high temperatures. However, thermal shock (spraying cold water on a screaming-hot grate) can cause cracking over time. Let grates cool naturally before cleaning with water.
What’s the warranty?
LAUDLIFE typically offers a 1-year limited warranty on parts and manufacturing defects. Burners and ignition components are often covered for 90 days. Check your specific purchase listing for exact warranty terms.
Can I convert this to natural gas?
The standard model runs on propane. LAUDLIFE does not offer a factory natural gas conversion kit for this model. Attempting a third-party conversion voids the warranty and creates safety risks. If you have natural gas at home, look for a grill explicitly designed for it.
Who Should Not Buy This Grill
Let me be honest so you don’t waste your money.
Don’t buy this if you’re purely a charcoal purist who will never use the gas side. You’re paying extra for gas burners you don’t need. Buy a dedicated charcoal kettle instead.
Don’t buy this if you have unlimited space and budget for separate grills. Two dedicated units will always outperform a combo design. A 500gasgrillplusa200 kettle gives you better performance but requires more space and money.
Don’t buy this if you cook for more than 10 people regularly. The cooking surface is generous but not commercial grade. For large parties, you’d need a bigger unit or multiple grills.
Don’t buy this if you want a set-it-and-forget-it smoker. The charcoal side works for smoking but requires attention. It’s not a pellet smoker with digital temperature control.
Final Verdict
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo delivers exactly what it promises: two reliable cooking methods in a single, well-built package.
It’s not the best gas grill you can buy. It’s not the best charcoal grill you can buy. But it’s the best grill you can buy if you want both capabilities without filling your patio with appliances.
The dual fuel grill excels at everyday versatility. The side burner adds real usefulness for sauces, sides, and even breakfast. The non-stick grates make cleanup genuinely easy—no scraping, no swearing, no stuck-on gunk.
For the weekend host who grills twice a week, for the family that wants quick dinners but loves smoky flavor, for anyone with limited space but unlimited appetite—this grill hits a sweet spot.
The propane BBQ grill with side burner starts instantly for weeknight meals. The heavy-duty outdoor barbecue grill stands up to weather and heavy use. And the ability to fire up charcoal whenever you want that authentic taste? That’s what makes this gas and charcoal grill combo worth owning.
Ready to Cook Both Ways?
Stop choosing between convenience and flavor. Stop storing two grills on a crowded patio. Stop scrubbing food off cheap grates that rust after one season.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo is waiting for your backyard.
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