Are you trying to decide if the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030 is the right grill for your backyard cooking needs?
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Overview
This review gives you a friendly, detailed look at what the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030 can do for your grilling routine. You’ll read about build quality, performance on both the gas and charcoal sides, practical features, and the everyday pros and cons that matter when you choose a combo grill.
What this grill is meant for
This grill is built for people who want the flexibility of both gas and charcoal without owning two separate units. You can sear quickly with the gas side and switch to slow-smoking on the charcoal side, giving you the versatility to cook many styles of food at different temperatures.
Who should consider it
If you frequently cook for families, groups, or friends and want ample cooking area with separate temperature zones, this model fits the bill. You’ll especially appreciate the combined 870 square inches of cooking space and the convenience features that reduce cleanup time.
Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030
Key specifications at a glance
This table summarizes the most important specs so you can quickly compare them to other grills or your needs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product name | Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030 |
| Total cooking area | 870 sq. in. |
| Fuel types | Propane gas (two stainless steel burners) + charcoal |
| Gas output | 24,000 BTU (gas side) |
| Burners | Two stainless steel main burners |
| Ignition | Electronic ignition |
| Cooking grates | Porcelain-coated cast iron |
| Temperature control | Dual temperature gauges (one per side) |
| Side burner | Additional side burner included |
| Ash management | EasyDump Ash Pan |
| Extras | Side shelf with utensil hooks |
| Color/Finish | Black |
| Model | E5030 |
Why the specs matter
These specs give you an immediate view of what to expect in terms of cooking capacity and options. You’ll want to consider gas output, cooking area, and ease of cleaning when matching this grill to your routine.
Design and build quality
The combination grill pairs a gas grill and a charcoal chamber in one integrated unit, which saves space and gives you flexibility without multiple appliances. You’ll notice sturdy materials and a practical layout that feels like it was designed for frequent use and easy access.
Materials and construction
The main body is built to handle heat from both fuel types, and the porcelain-coated cast iron grates are durable while being fairly easy to maintain. The two stainless steel main burners add to long-term corrosion resistance on the gas side, which matters if you live in a humid climate.
Layout and ergonomics
A side shelf and utensil hooks give you handy staging and storage while you cook, and the two separate lids allow you to manage temperatures independently. You’ll find the dual temperature gauges helpful for monitoring each side without opening lids too often.
Cooking space and capacity
With 870 square inches of total cooking area, you have a large platform for grilling many items at once, which is ideal for gatherings or weekend meal prep. You’ll be able to cook full racks of ribs, multiple chickens, or large quantities of burgers in one go.
How many people can you feed?
You can easily feed 8–20 people depending on what you’re grilling and how you portion the food. If you often cook for large groups or cater small events, the size will be a major advantage.
Rack configuration and heat zones
The two burners let you create at least two primary zones on the gas side, and the charcoal side acts as a separate zone for indirect heat or smoking. You’ll get greater flexibility for multi-course cooking — searing on one side, finishing on the other.
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Gas-side performance (24,000 BTU)
The gas side delivers up to 24,000 BTU, which is strong enough to get grates up to searing temperatures quickly. You’ll appreciate how fast you can go from cold to ready for steaks or stir-fry style searing.
Temperature control on gas
Two stainless steel burners give you pretty precise control for zone cooking, and the dual gauges let you check each side at a glance. If you want to sear then move to lower heat, you’ll have the control you need.
Ignition and startup
The grill uses electronic ignition so you can fire it up with the push of a button, which makes startup fast and frustration-free. You’ll avoid the hassle of matches or complicated lighting steps and get right to cooking.
Charcoal-side performance and smoking
The charcoal chamber offers traditional charcoal flavor and also functions as a smoker for longer, low-and-slow cooks. You’ll be able to generate good smoke profiles for ribs, brisket, and pulled pork when you manage airflow correctly.
Heat retention and smoke management
The charcoal side’s design holds heat well and the dual lids let you maintain separation between your gas and charcoal zones. You’ll need to get comfortable with vents and charcoal placement to dial in consistent temps for smoking.
EasyDump Ash Pan advantage
The EasyDump Ash Pan makes removing ash quick and mess-free, so you don’t stop mid-cook to do a tedious cleanup. You’ll spend less time wrestling with ash and more time focusing on cooking and flavor.
Grates and cooking surfaces
The porcelain-coated cast iron cooking grates provide even heat transfer and help with searing while resisting sticking when properly seasoned. You’ll find they hold heat well for good grill marks and even cooking.
Maintenance of grates
Keep the grates clean and lightly oiled to maintain non-stick performance and longevity. You’ll want to brush them after each use and occasionally re-season the cast iron surface to protect the coating.
Temperature control and monitoring
Dual temperature gauges — one for each side — give you the quick readouts you need to manage multi-fuel cooking. You’ll find it much easier to keep the charcoal side steady for smoking and simultaneously manage the gas side for quick searing or high-heat tasks.
Tips to keep temps steady
Use a combination of vents, charcoal arrangement, and burner settings to stabilize your smoking temperature. You’ll also get more consistent results if you preheat and allow time for the gauges to equilibrate before putting food on the grates.
Side burner and prep space
An included side burner expands your cooking options by letting you simmer sauces, heat side dishes, or cook a pan while you grill. You’ll appreciate the side shelf with utensil hooks for prep space and quick access to tongs, brushes, and spatulas.
Practical uses for the side burner
Use the side burner for finishing sauces, boiling corn, or warming beans without needing to go back inside. You’ll keep everything within reach and serve food piping hot.
Assembly and setup
You can expect an average assembly time that requires two people and a basic set of tools; the instructions are straightforward and the parts are labeled. You’ll want to set aside a couple of hours to assemble carefully and avoid overtightening bolts that can strip threads.
Tips to make assembly easier
Lay out all parts and read the instruction manual start-to-finish before you begin, and use a power driver on low torque settings for speed. You’ll also want someone to help lift and align larger panels during final assembly to prevent damage.
Cleaning and maintenance
Regular cleaning is straightforward thanks to the EasyDump Ash Pan and accessible parts that can be brushed or wiped down. You’ll want to clear grease traps, clean grates, and check burners periodically to keep the grill in good working order.
Seasonal maintenance checklist
At least seasonally, clean burners, inspect for rust or blockages, and reseal or touch up paint if needed to prevent corrosion. You’ll also want to protect the unit with a cover if it will sit outside for long periods.
Practical performance: searing, smoking, roasting
This combination grill makes it easy to transition between searing steaks at high heat and low, smoky cooking for ribs or brisket. You’ll appreciate the flexibility when you want both a fast dinner and weekend slow-smoked meals.
Searing tips
Preheat the gas side until the grates are very hot, and use direct heat to get those one-minute-per-side sear marks. You’ll then move items to a cooler zone to finish cooking through without burning.
Smoking tips
Use a two-zone setup on the charcoal side for smoked items and keep the lid closed as much as possible to retain smoke and heat. You’ll have better smoke penetration and more consistent internal temps this way.
Value and cost considerations
Given the dual-fuel capability and generous cooking area, this grill tends to be a solid value if you need both gas and charcoal flexibility. You’ll get a lot of functionality in one unit, which can be more economical than buying separate gas and charcoal grills.
Long-term ownership costs
Expect to replace propane tanks, buy charcoal and wood chips for smoking, and occasionally replace parts like grates or igniters after years of heavy use. You’ll find maintenance costs reasonable compared to the convenience and capacity you receive.
Accessories and add-ons you might want
You can complement this grill with a quality cover, a meat thermometer, grill mats, and a protective cart or mat for your patio. You’ll also gain from adding a dedicated smoker thermometer probe to get exact internal meat temps for larger cuts.
Recommended accessories
Consider a wireless or probe thermometer for accurate long-cook monitoring, and a cover to protect from the elements when not in use. You’ll also like a heavy-duty grill brush and a spare set of porcelain-coated grates as backups.
Pros and cons
This quick breakdown highlights the essential strengths and limitations so you can weigh your priorities.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual fuel flexibility (gas + charcoal) | Larger footprint requires space and assembly effort |
| 870 sq. in. cooking area for large groups | Combo grills are heavier and more complex than single-purpose grills |
| Two stainless steel burners with 24,000 BTU output | Charcoal side requires learning to manage temperatures for smoking |
| EasyDump Ash Pan simplifies cleanup | Porcelain coating needs care to avoid chips and rust spots |
| Electronic ignition for quick start | May require occasional tuning and maintenance to keep burners functioning perfectly |
| Dual temperature gauges for each side | Not as portable as smaller grills due to size and weight |
Interpreting the list
You’ll notice most cons relate to size and learning curve rather than poor performance, meaning the trade-offs are typical for a feature-rich combo grill. If you value flexibility and capacity, the pros will likely outweigh the cons.
Comparison to other grill types
Compared to a dedicated gas grill, you get more flavor options with the charcoal side but need slightly more maintenance. Compared to a standalone smoker, you gain the convenience of gas searing and faster startup.
When this is the better choice
If you want one unit that covers nearly everything — instant gas grilling, charcoal flavor, and smoking capability — this model does it without needing a separate smoker. You’ll save space and money versus buying multiple single-purpose units.
When it might not be the best fit
If you only ever use gas or only ever use charcoal, then a simpler single-fuel grill might be a better, lighter, or cheaper option. You’ll only need the combo approach if you plan to use both fuels regularly.
Real-world use cases and scenarios
For weekend family dinners, weekend tailgates, neighborhood parties, or weekend-long barbecue sessions, this grill performs reliably. You’ll find the combination of fast gas heat and charcoal flavor useful across many menus.
Entertaining large groups
You can manage burgers and hot dogs on the gas side while finishing slow-smoked brisket on the charcoal side, which makes entertaining more flexible and less stressful. You’ll spend less time juggling separate appliances and more time with guests.
Weeknight convenience
On nights when you want quick dinners, the gas side lets you get meals done quickly without sacrificing cleanliness or convenience. You’ll also have the option to throw in a charcoal session on weekends for special meals.
Safety considerations
Always follow propane safety guidelines and keep vents and burners free of debris. You’ll also want to keep the grill a safe distance from structures and avoid overloading shelves or placing flammable items nearby.
Safe operation tips
Check propane connections periodically for leaks, and never leave the grill unattended when in use. You’ll be safer if you also keep a fire extinguisher nearby and follow manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and part replacement.
Recipes and technique suggestions
Here are a few approachable recipes and techniques that take advantage of both sides of this grill, giving you practical ways to use it immediately.
Seared steaks, finished on the charcoal side
Sear steaks on the gas side for 60–90 seconds per side to get a crust, then move to the charcoal side at a lower temperature to finish to your desired doneness. You’ll get the benefit of fast searing and subtle charcoal flavor to finish.
Low-and-slow ribs on the charcoal side
Set up indirect heat and keep the charcoal side in the 225–250°F range for low-and-slow ribs, using wood chips for smoke. You’ll need to replenish charcoal or coals as needed and monitor vents to maintain steady temps.
Quick seafood and veggies on the side burner
Use the side burner to make a quick shrimp scampi or sauté vegetables while grilling mains. You’ll be able to serve sides hot and fresh with minimal extra equipment.
Frequently asked questions
These are common questions you might have when considering or using this grill.
Can you use both fuel types at the same time?
Yes, you can run the gas and charcoal sides simultaneously to create different cooking zones. You’ll get even more versatility by running both when needed for complex meals.
How easy is cleanup?
Cleanup is simpler than many charcoal-only grills thanks to the EasyDump Ash Pan and accessible grease channels. You’ll still need to clean grates and check burners periodically for optimal performance.
Final verdict
If you want a single grill that gives you the immediate convenience of gas with the flavor and low-and-slow capability of charcoal, the Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24,000 BTU Propane Gas and Charcoal Combination Grill and Smoker with 870 Cooking Square Inches in Black, Model E5030 is an excellent option. You’ll get a versatile, roomy, and feature-rich grill that performs well for both quick weeknight meals and leisurely weekend barbecue sessions.
Who will love this grill
You will love this grill if you value flexibility, larger cooking capacity, and relatively straightforward maintenance. You’ll get the benefits of two cooking worlds in one well-built package.
Final purchasing tip
If you’re ready for the commitment of a larger, heavier grill and will make use of both fuel types, buy this model and invest in a good cover and thermometer. You’ll maximize value and enjoyment by protecting your investment and monitoring temperatures closely during long cooks.
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