Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill
Quick Summary:
The Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill is the perfect solution to having both types of cooking surfaces without having two separate units that you need to find storage space for.
There are a number of gas and charcoal combination grills on the market, but none of them had the features that the Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill has.
Best Charcoal Gas Grill Combo
When you grill food, you often have to choose between having a gas grill or a charcoal one. There are clear reasons to own both of these types of grills, but many of us only have the space to store one. I personally love the taste that a charcoal grill gives the food that you cook on it, but gas grills tend to be much quicker when it comes to preparing the food. The best way to avoid this dilemma is to purchase a grill that has both options. These grills that can use both propane or charcoal are referred to as combo or hybrid grills.
I am a bit of a grill enthusiast, so this past summer, I tested out a few of these grill combinations to see which one is the best. The grill I chose has a large surface area to cook on, a side burner, a space for storage, and both types of cooking surfaces. What is the best charcoal gas grill combo? The Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill is at the top of my list, and here are some of the reasons that I like this charcoal gas grill combo more than any of the other ones that I have tested.
Design and Size
Even though this is crafted from heavy steel, the manufacturers managed to keep the weight down to a mere 168 pounds. To make it even more mobile, it is designed with wheels on one side of the device, which means that you never need to heft the grill across the lawn, all you need to do is push it. The overall design aesthetic is sleek and stylish to match any outdoor décor. It is 48 inches in length, 21 ½ inches in width, and 13 ½ inches tall, which is a relatively large unit, but it gives you plenty of cooking space to work with. In total, you have access to more than 1,260 square inches of total cooking space.
Some combo grills utilize the same cooking space for both methods of cooking, but this one is designed with the two areas located next to each other. You can choose either surface, but I have found it extremely useful to use both sides in the event of a large gathering because you have twice the surface area to cook with. There is also a convenient condiment basket on the device for your convenience during the grilling process. In addition, there is a built-in temperature gauge on both sides of the grill, which helps you maintain the grilling temperature that you need to thoroughly cook foods like pork and chicken. There are also vents and dampeners on both sides of the unit to help control the temperature as well.
Superior Quality
As previously stated, the material of this unit is crafted from heavy-duty steel. The grill is designed with a double bottom to help protect it from the heat. In addition, the cooking grates are made from a durable cast iron material that has been coated with porcelain. The cast iron helps conduct the heat and the coating makes the racks easy to clean. There are also warming racks on both sides of the grill to give you a warm, less direct heat. If you need space to store the pots and pans that you use on the grill, there is storage space at the base of the grill for your convenience.
Gas Features
If you are looking for a quick method of grilling your food, the gas side of this grill has an instant start electric ignition that lights the three burners almost instantly. The three burners combine to provide you with 40,800 BTUs across a space that is 438 square inches in size, not counting the warming rack that is located above the main rack. This amount of gas power can easily heat the grill up to 500 degrees, which is perfect for getting your food cooked quickly.
There is also a side burner that provides you with an additional amount of cooking space to heat sauces, vegetables, and other sides that cannot go straight on the top of the grill. There is a lid on the side burner that can be lowered into place when the burner is not being used, which is actually a great place to put your plates or grilling utensils as you wait for the food to finish cooking.
Charcoal Features
If you are looking for a grilling experience that supplies you with more flavorful food, then the charcoal side is perfect for you. The grate in the charcoal side can be raised or lowered to fit the heat requirements that are needed. You can raise the grate closer to the food to give it a nice flame-broiled sear that will taste great with burgers or steak, but you can also lower the rack for a slower cooking time to produce more tender cuts and meat that literally falls off of the bone. This is the best way to cook ribs in my opinion.
This side of the grill has about 580 square inches of cooking space, which is more than enough space to cook for a family of four. The bottom of the cooker is double insulated to ensure that the grill provides an efficient and even level of heat to the food at all times. If you happen to be running low on charcoal, you can use the grate lifter to protect your hands from the heat while you add more charcoal to the grill pan.
Easy to Clean
This grill was designed for ease of cleanup in mind, which is why the charcoal grate doubles as an ash pan that can easily be removed from the grill and dumped after the coals have cooled. The racks are also designed to be easy to clean, and a little soap and water will work wonders on these porcelain-coated grill racks.
Additional Add-ons
The Char-Griller 5050 Duo Gas-and-Charcoal Grill does not have an option that is designed for smoking your food, but if you enjoy cooking smoked ribs or brisket on the weekends, then you are in luck because there is a side firebox that you can purchase to give your food the flavor that you desire. It does not come with the grill, but the option to attach it is incorporated onto this grill design.
Final Thoughts
Grilling is something that I personally enjoy doing. When the weather is warm, my family and I utilize our grill four to five days a week. I typically would rather cook on a charcoal grill, but sometimes my schedule does not provide me with the time that I need to fully cook the food before my kids need to get to bed, so I settle for a gas grill those nights.
If you are looking for a new grill, then consider this one, especially if you host family gatherings or parties where you need a lot of cooking space so that your family and friends can all enjoy the meal at the same time.