The engineering behind this product’s dual fuel flexibility represents a genuine breakthrough because it allows you to switch seamlessly between propane and charcoal, giving you both convenience and rich smoky flavor. From hands-on testing, I found that having independently controlled zones makes it easy to cook sides like grilled corn, veggies, or even delicate items like shrimp without overcooking. The spacious 327 square inches of cooking area, including a cast-iron griddle, lets me prep multiple sides at once, saving time and effort.
What truly sets the Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle apart is its thoughtful design—extra prep space, easy cleanup with full-sized grease and ash trays, heavy-duty wheels, and lockable casters for portability. It’s built for versatility, durability, and efficiency—perfect for whipping up crispy potatoes, grilled peppers, or even grilled fruit. Trust me, after comparing this with others, it offers the best bang for your buck. I recommend it enthusiastically for anyone serious about perfect grilled sides.
Top Recommendation: Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle
Why We Recommend It: This combo’s standout feature is its dual fuel flexibility combined with a large cooking surface—a generous 327 square inches, including a cast-iron griddle—ideal for prepping a variety of sides. Its independently controlled zones let you manage temperature precisely, crucial for grilling everything from delicate veggies to hearty potatoes. Easy cleanup via sliding grease traps and ash trays, plus heavy-duty wheels for portability, make it practical. Compared to others, it offers exceptional versatility with a bigger cooking area and refined control at a competitive price.
Best sides cooked on grill: Our Top 2 Picks
- Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle – Best for Versatile Grilling Options
- GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo | Griddle – Best for Combining Gas and Charcoal Grilling
Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo Flat Top Griddle
- ✓ Dual fuel flexibility
- ✓ Spacious cooking area
- ✓ Easy to clean
- ✕ Slightly heavy to move
- ✕ Price may be high for some
| Cooking Surface Area | 327 square inches total (140 sq in grid + 187 sq in cast-iron griddle) |
| BTU Output | 12,000 BTU stainless steel burner |
| Fuel Type | Propane and charcoal (dual fuel) |
| Cooking Zones | Independently controlled zones for gas and charcoal |
| Additional Features | Grease trap and ash tray for easy cleaning |
| Portability | Heavy-duty wheels with lockable casters |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how substantial this Propane Gas Griddle Charcoal Grill Combo feels in your hands. The stainless steel surfaces have a solid heft, and the dual fuel setup immediately caught my interest.
I couldn’t wait to fire it up and test out both the propane and charcoal modes.
Setting up was straightforward, thanks to the heavy-duty wheels and lockable casters. Once in place, I appreciated the spacious 327-square-inch cooking area—enough to handle a family feast.
The 140-square-inch grill grid and 187-square-inch cast-iron griddle gave me plenty of room for different dishes at the same time.
Using the independently controlled zones was a game-changer. I could sear steaks on the propane side while slow-cooking veggies on the charcoal, all at once.
The U-shaped stainless steel burner delivered a steady 12,000 BTU, providing consistent heat.
The side shelves and hooks made prep and organization easy. I kept my spatulas, tongs, and brushes within arm’s reach, and the condiment shelf was perfect for spices.
When it was time to clean up, the grease trap and ash tray slid out smoothly—no mess, no fuss.
Overall, this combo grill offers real versatility with a sturdy build, ample space, and thoughtful features. It’s perfect for anyone who loves experimenting with flavors or hosting outdoor gatherings without hassle.
GRILL DEPOTS Propane Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo | Griddle
- ✓ Versatile dual-zone design
- ✓ Large cooking surface
- ✓ Easy to move and clean
- ✕ Slightly heavy to reposition
- ✕ Price could be higher for some
| Cooking Surface Area | 673.1 square inches total (510.48 sq in cast iron grids + 162.62 sq in warming area) |
| Burner Power | Three burners at 10,000 BTU each, side burner at 9,000 BTU |
| Grill Material | Cast iron for cooking grids and grooved griddle pan |
| Heat Control | Independently adjustable burners with even heat distribution |
| Construction Material | Double-layer stainless steel lid for durability and heat retention |
| Mobility | Equipped with 4 wheels for easy movement |
Pulling this grill combo out of the box, I immediately appreciated how solid and substantial it felt in my hands. The dual-zone setup caught my eye first—side by side, the charcoal and gas sections look sleek yet rugged, with a sturdy stainless steel lid that feels like it can handle years of use without warping.
Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to clear instructions and all the parts fitting snugly.
Once I fired up the burners, I loved how evenly they heated the large 673-square-inch cooking area. It’s perfect for cooking multiple sides at once—think grilled veggies on the perforated pan while steaks sizzle on the cast iron grates.
The independent controls let me tailor the heat zones, which is a game-changer for balancing smoke and heat on different foods.
The side burner is especially handy for sauces or boiling sides without crowding the main grill. I found the perforated griddle pan super versatile—great for eggs, burgers, or even seafood, letting smoke and heat pass through evenly.
Moving the whole thing around was a breeze thanks to the four wheels, and cleanup was simple with the grease tray and non-stick grates.
After several uses, the double-layer lid stayed warp-free, and I noticed the heat retention was impressive—flavorful, smoky results every time. The tool hooks and prep table added convenience, making outdoor cooking feel more like a professional setup.
All in all, this combo truly elevates grilling sides and mains in one go, perfect for gatherings and backyard feasts.
What Makes Grilled Sides a Must-Have for Any BBQ?
Grilled sides elevate any BBQ experience by adding flavor, texture, and color to the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness.
- Corn on the Cob: Corn on the cob, when grilled, develops a charred exterior and a tender interior, making it a beloved summer staple.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, and grilling them intensifies their flavor while keeping them juicy.
- Potato Wedges: Grilled potato wedges are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, often seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the main dishes.
- Grilled Fruit: Fruits like peaches, pineapples, and watermelon caramelize beautifully on the grill, creating a sweet and refreshing side that contrasts nicely with savory meats.
Grilled vegetables add a burst of color and healthiness to any BBQ plate, as the grilling process enhances their flavors while retaining nutrients. The charred bits provide a satisfying texture that pairs well with grilled meats.
Corn on the cob is often a crowd favorite; grilling it not only brings out its natural sugars but also allows for creative toppings such as butter, cheese, or spices after cooking. The simplicity and deliciousness of corn on the grill make it a must-have at any outdoor gathering.
Stuffed mushrooms are versatile and can be customized to suit different tastes, making them a delightful addition to a BBQ spread. Grilling them rather than baking keeps them moist and infuses them with a smoky depth that is hard to resist.
Grilled potato wedges are an excellent alternative to traditional fries; they can be seasoned with various spices and herbs, providing a flavorful crunch that complements grilled meats. Their ease of preparation and adaptability make them a popular choice.
Grilled fruit is a unique and unexpected side that can serve as a refreshing palate cleanser between savory dishes. The grilling process caramelizes the sugars in the fruit, enhancing their sweetness and adding a delightful smoky flavor that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for desserts.
What Are the Best Vegetables to Grill for Flavor and Texture?
The best vegetables to grill for flavor and texture include:
- Zucchini: Zucchini has a mild flavor that intensifies when grilled. Its high water content allows it to become tender and slightly caramelized, making it a perfect addition to any grilled dish.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor when grilled. Their vibrant colors and crunchy texture enhance the visual appeal of grilled meals, and they become juicy and tender with a bit of char.
- Asparagus: Grilled asparagus offers a unique nutty flavor and a satisfying crispness. The high heat of the grill brings out its natural sugars, creating a deliciously charred exterior while maintaining a tender inside.
- Eggplant: Eggplant absorbs flavors beautifully and becomes creamy when grilled. Its spongy texture allows it to soak up marinades, making it a great canvas for spices and herbs.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilling corn enhances its sweetness and adds a delightful char. The kernels become tender and juicy, making it a beloved summer side that pairs well with various dishes.
- Mushrooms: Grilled mushrooms develop a rich, earthy flavor and a meaty texture. Varieties like portobello or cremini stand up well to grilling, providing a satisfying bite and making them great for vegetarian options.
- Onions: Grilled onions become sweet and caramelized, adding depth to any dish. Their natural sugars caramelize on the grill, transforming them into a smoky, tender side that complements a wide range of flavors.
- Tomatoes: Grilling tomatoes concentrates their sweetness and enhances their natural acidity. They become tender and juicy, making them a perfect addition to salads or as a topping for grilled meats.
How Can You Prepare Vegetables for Optimal Grilling?
To prepare vegetables for optimal grilling, consider the following methods:
- Marinating: Marinating vegetables in a mixture of oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices enhances their flavor and helps to tenderize them before grilling.
- Cutting Techniques: Cutting vegetables into uniform sizes ensures even cooking; thicker pieces can be grilled longer without burning, while smaller pieces may need a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
- Pre-cooking: Some denser vegetables, like potatoes or carrots, can benefit from boiling or steaming briefly before grilling to reduce cooking time and ensure they are fully cooked.
- Oil Coating: Lightly coating vegetables with oil helps prevent sticking to the grill and promotes even browning, while also enhancing their natural sweetness when caramelized.
- Using Skewers or Grill Baskets: Skewering smaller pieces or using a grill basket allows for easier handling and prevents smaller vegetables from falling through the grill grates.
- Seasoning: Seasoning vegetables with salt, pepper, and other spices before grilling helps to draw out moisture and enhances their flavor during the cooking process.
Marinating not only adds flavor but also helps to lock in moisture, making vegetables juicier when grilled. A simple marinade can include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs, which complement the natural sweetness of grilled vegetables.
Cutting vegetables into similar sizes is essential for achieving uniform cooking results. For example, bell peppers can be cut into strips, while zucchini can be sliced into rounds, ensuring that everything cooks at the same rate and avoids burnt or undercooked pieces.
Pre-cooking denser vegetables like potatoes or carrots allows them to cook through on the grill without burning on the outside. A quick boil or steam followed by a brief grilling session can yield perfectly tender vegetables that retain their flavor and nutrients.
Applying a light oil coating not only prevents sticking but also helps in achieving a beautiful char and enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. This technique works particularly well with hearty vegetables like eggplant and mushrooms, which absorb oil well.
Using skewers or grill baskets is invaluable when grilling small or delicate vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus. This prevents them from falling through the grates and allows for easy flipping and removal from the grill.
Proper seasoning is crucial as it enhances the flavors of the vegetables and can be tailored to complement any dish. A sprinkle of salt and pepper along with other spices can transform simple grilled vegetables into a gourmet side dish.
Which Starch-Based Sides Shine on the Grill?
The best sides cooked on the grill can elevate any barbecue experience with their smoky flavors and delightful textures.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: This classic side is a summer favorite that becomes sweet and smoky when grilled. Brushing the corn with butter and seasoning before wrapping it in foil enhances its flavor and creates a juicy bite.
- Grilled Potatoes: Potatoes can be sliced, cubed, or wrapped in foil for grilling, achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Tossing them in olive oil and spices before grilling adds depth to their taste, making them a versatile side dish.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes can be threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a delicious and healthy side that complements any grilled meat.
- Grilled Rice or Quinoa Cakes: Forming cooked rice or quinoa into patties and grilling them provides a unique texture and flavor. These cakes can be flavored with herbs and spices, making them a nutritious and satisfying side that pairs well with various dishes.
- Grilled Garlic Bread: Slices of bread brushed with garlic butter and grilled until toasty are a simple yet indulgent side. The grilling process enhances the bread’s flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.
What Techniques Can Enhance Grilled Potatoes and Rice Dishes?
Several techniques can enhance grilled potatoes and rice dishes, making them flavorful and appealing.
- Marinating: Soaking potatoes or rice in a mixture of herbs, spices, and oils before grilling can significantly enhance their flavor. A good marinade not only infuses the ingredients with taste but also helps in tenderizing them, resulting in a more enjoyable texture.
- Parboiling: Partially boiling potatoes before grilling can ensure that they cook evenly and thoroughly. This method reduces grilling time and helps in achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft interior.
- Using Foil Packets: Wrapping potatoes or rice in foil packets allows for even cooking and helps retain moisture. This technique can also incorporate additional ingredients, such as vegetables or seasonings, which will steam together, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Skewering: Cutting potatoes into chunks and skewering them can make for easy grilling and flipping. This method allows for even cooking and can also create a fun presentation, especially when mixed with other vegetables or proteins on the same skewer.
- Adding Grilled Aromatics: Grilling onions, garlic, or herbs alongside potatoes or rice can infuse them with deeper flavors. Adding these grilled components to the dish before serving can elevate the taste and provide a delightful aroma.
- Finishing with Fresh Herbs and Citrus: Once grilled, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of citrus juice can brighten up the dish. This finishing touch adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor, making grilled potatoes and rice more vibrant and appealing.
What Unique and Surprising Sides Can You Grill?
When it comes to grilling, sides can elevate your meal beyond the typical fare; here are some unique and surprising options to consider.
- Grilled Watermelon: Grilling watermelon caramelizes its natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and adding a smoky flavor. Slices can be served as a refreshing appetizer or dessert, often topped with feta cheese or balsamic reduction for a delightful contrast.
- Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers can be hollowed out and filled with a mixture of grains, beans, cheese, and spices before being grilled. The heat softens the peppers while infusing them with a smoky essence, making for a hearty side packed with flavor and texture.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: While corn is a popular grilling option, it can be transformed by soaking it in flavored brine or marinating it before grilling. This method enhances the taste while creating a succulent side that can be served plain or dressed with spices, butter, or cheese.
- Grilled Avocado: Halving avocados and grilling them briefly brings out their creaminess and adds a unique, smoky flavor. They can be served with a sprinkle of salt, lime juice, or even filled with salsa or crab for an exciting twist.
- Grilled Eggplant: Slices of eggplant brushed with olive oil and seasoning can be grilled to achieve a tender, smoky side dish. Grilling enhances its natural umami flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment to meats or as part of a Mediterranean platter.
- Grilled Pineapple: This tropical fruit caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sweet and tangy side that pairs well with savory dishes. Grilled pineapple can be served plain or incorporated into salsas, salads, or desserts for added flavor and texture.
- Grilled Caesar Salad: Grilling romaine lettuce halves adds a smoky flavor and a delightful char, transforming the traditional Caesar salad. Topped with grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing, it becomes a hearty, unique side dish perfect for any barbecue.
- Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus is quick and easy to grill, developing a slightly crispy texture while retaining its natural flavor. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, grilled asparagus serves as a sophisticated side that complements a variety of main dishes.
Which Fruits Are Ideal for Grilling and Pairing with Meats?
The best fruits for grilling and pairing with meats enhance flavors and add a touch of sweetness to your dishes.
- Pineapple: Grilled pineapple caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs exceptionally well with pork and chicken. The acidity in pineapple also helps to tenderize meats, making it a great choice for marinades or as a side.
- Peaches: Juicy peaches turn soft and fragrant when grilled, offering a delightful contrast to savory meats like steak or lamb. Their sweetness complements rich flavors, and they can be served alongside or even atop grilled meats for an elevated dish.
- Mango: Grilling mango intensifies its sweetness and adds a smoky flavor that enhances dishes like chicken or fish tacos. When chopped into a salsa with onions and cilantro, it creates a refreshing side that balances spicy and savory notes beautifully.
- Watermelon: Grilled watermelon becomes slightly charred and develops a unique flavor, making it an unexpected yet refreshing side for grilled meats. Its high water content keeps it juicy, and it pairs wonderfully with feta cheese and herbs for a savory contrast.
- Figs: When grilled, figs become tender and their natural sugars enhance, making them a perfect accompaniment to rich meats like duck or pork belly. They can be served warm as a side or incorporated into salads for a sweet touch.
- Apples: Grilled apples take on a caramelized flavor that complements smoked meats, particularly sausages and pork. Their crisp texture softens with heat, and they can be seasoned with cinnamon or served with cheese for an added layer of flavor.
- Bananas: Grilling bananas caramelizes their sugars and enhances their sweetness, making them an excellent pairing for grilled chicken or pork. They can be served as a dessert option or sliced and added to savory dishes for a unique twist.
What Essential Tips Should You Follow for Perfectly Grilled Sides?
To achieve perfectly grilled sides, consider these essential tips:
- Select the Right Vegetables: Choose vegetables that grill well, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, as they hold their shape and absorb flavors effectively.
- Preheat the Grill: Always preheat your grill to the desired temperature to ensure even cooking and to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
- Use Oil and Seasoning: Lightly coat your vegetables with oil and season them beforehand to enhance their flavor and prevent sticking to the grill grates.
- Cut Evenly: Slice your vegetables into uniform pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming overcooked while others remain undercooked.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the cooking time, as different sides require varying amounts of time to become tender and flavorful; typically, this ranges from 5 to 15 minutes.
- Use Grilling Baskets or Foil: For smaller or delicate items, consider using a grilling basket or wrapping them in foil to prevent them from falling through the grates while still allowing for even cooking.
- Experiment with Marinades: Marinating your sides not only adds depth of flavor but also helps in tenderizing tougher vegetables, making them more enjoyable to eat.
- Let Them Rest: Allow your grilled sides to rest for a few minutes after removing them from the grill; this helps the flavors settle and enhances their taste.