Are you torn between choosing between a gas or charcoal barbecue for this year's summer cookouts? Why not opt for the best of both with a dual-fuel hybrid BBQ? These versatile grills offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy the convenience of gas and the smoky flavour of charcoal. In this edit, discover all the great reasons to buy a duel fuel barbecue this spring.

Contents

What is a dual-fuel barbecue?
The advantages of buying a dual-fuel grill
Which are the best hybrid BBQs?
How does a duel fuel barbecue offer the best of both worlds?
Further considerations when choosing a barbecue

Dual-fuel barbecues, sometimes referred to as hybrid barbecues are starting to gain in popularity mainly thanks to the versatility they provide you with when cooking outdoors. A dual-fuel BBQ is a type of grill that allows you to use both gas and charcoal as fuel sources (or gas and pellet). These grills typically have separate burners for gas and a charcoal tray or compartment for charcoal. This allows you to choose which fuel to use based on your preferences or the type of food you’ve decided to cook. Whether you want the convenience and quick heat of gas or the traditional smoky flavour of charcoal, a dual-fuel BBQ will give you the best of both worlds. 

There are several advantages to using dual-fuel BBQs that make them a great option for grilling enthusiasts. Firstly, the ability to use both gas and charcoal gives you versatility as you can easily switch between the two fuel sources depending on the type of food you're grilling. We’ve put together the main advantages below and listed some of the limitations or issues you might experience when choosing a dual-fuel barbecue for your patio.

Pros of dual-fuel barbecues

1. You can be cooking on a duel fuel grill in no time at all thanks to the fast-lighting gas burners. If you lead a busy lifestyle or you often find yourself short on time this type of barbecue is the perfect choice for you.
2. Achieve an authentic charcoal taste and smoky flavour when cooking with charcoal fuel, there are options to cook with indirect heat or direct heat which can produce beautiful flavour. You could even sear steaks on the gas side for a perfect crust, then finish them off with charcoal for that extra smokiness.
3. Dual-fuel BBQs are a great investment in terms of durability and longevity. They are typically built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor cooking. With proper care and maintenance, a dual-fuel BBQ can last for many years.
4. Having a hybrid barbecue can save a lot of space if you are considering buying one gas barbecue and a separate charcoal barbecue. Lots of models come with at least two grilling areas allowing you to use both cooking methods at the same time.

Cons of dual-fuel barbecues  

1. Some models of smaller hybrid barbecues only have one grilling area, so you're limited to either charcoal or gas at one time.
2. It can be difficult to control the heat if you choose a gas-to-charcoal model, especially for the models that do not come with air vents in the hood. most of them don't have air vents.
3. Sadly, there is a limited range of dual-fuel barbecues on the market at the moment, over the last few years however more and more hybrid BBQs have hit the UK market so choices are slowly improving.

We know dual-fuel barbecues offer versatility and convenience but which models are the best on the market? See our editor’s top-rated hybrid barbecues below, they offer flexibility to switch between two fuel sources and are all produced by top-quality BBQ manufacturers like Grillstream & Pit Boss Grills.

Dual-fuel outdoor cooking barbecues offer the best of both worlds when it comes to grilling. With the ability to use both gas and charcoal, you have the flexibility to switch between the two fuel sources depending on your cooking needs. This means you can enjoy the quick heat-up time and easy temperature control of gas grilling, while also getting that classic smoky flavour from charcoal grilling. The versatility of dual-fuel BBQs allows you to experiment with different flavours and cooking techniques. This gives you the ability to create a wide range of delicious dishes and impress your guests with your grilling skills. In addition to their versatility, these barbecues also offer convenience. Gas grilling is known for its quick heat-up time and easy temperature control, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're short on time. On the other hand, charcoal grilling provides that authentic taste that many people love. Dual-fuel BBQs are a top choice for grilling enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds. Whether you're looking to experiment with different flavours, enjoy the convenience of gas grilling, or savour the smoky flavour of charcoal grilling, a hybrid BBQ offers it all. Upgrade your grilling game and enjoy the benefits that come with this versatile cooking option.  

If you're a grilling enthusiast, then adding a dual-fuel barbecue to your garden or patio is a decision you won't regret. You’ll need to ensure you choose one that is the right size for your space and fit with other requirements you might have. We’ve put together a simple checklist below that should help you choose the right model for your barbecuing needs.

• Position and portability of your grill: Take time to think about where in your garden you’re planning to place your BBQ grill. For a gas barbecue, you should consider that an LPG or patio gas bottle is needed and often they cannot be stored inside the barbecue. For those with smaller patios, there are folding BBQ grill options or portable camping grills so you can enjoy barbecue food on the go as well as at home.  

• How many guests do you cook for: If you have a good-sized outdoor space or a luxurious garden which is the place everyone gathers each summer, then investing in a large barbecue will ensure amazing food for all. Don’t under-spec your grill and look for a large barbecue with 6 burners or more.

• Complete outdoor kitchens: For foodies and those that are highly passionate about outdoor cooking look to complete their outdoor set-up by investing in additional appliances to create an outdoor kitchen space. Pizza ovens and food smoker barbecues are becoming incredibly popular as more consumers look to cook outside and eat al fresco.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a versatile and convenient outdoor grilling option that offers the best of both gas and charcoal, a dual-fuel barbecue is worth considering. It allows you to experiment with different flavours and cooking techniques, while also providing durability and longevity. Upgrade your grilling game with a dual-fuel grill and enjoy the benefits it brings to your outdoor cooking space.