The Ultimate Dual Fuel Solution for Your Backyard
You love the smoky, deep flavor of charcoal. But on a busy Tuesday night, you just want to fire up a propane grill and have dinner ready in 15 minutes. For years, you’ve had to choose. Or worse, you’ve had to own two separate grills, taking up half your patio space.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo solves that problem completely.
This isn’t just another outdoor cooker. It’s a thoughtfully engineered dual fuel grill that gives you the best of both worlds. One side runs on propane with three powerful burners. The other side is designed for traditional charcoal. And between them? A convenient side burner for sauces, sides, or your morning coffee while camping.
After spending several weekends putting this unit through its paces—from searing steaks to slow-smoking ribs—I can tell you exactly who this grill is for, where it excels, and the few trade-offs you should know about.
Let’s fire it up.
First Impressions: Heavy-Duty Build That Means Business
When the box arrives, you’ll notice the weight. This isn’t a flimsy, thin-metal grill that will wobble after one season. The LAUDLIFE comes with a heavy-duty stand made from powder-coated steel. Assembly is straightforward, though you’ll want a second pair of hands for about 20 minutes to attach the side shelves and burner.
Once assembled, the first thing you’ll appreciate is the backyard barbecue stand stability. No shaking when you flip burgers. No worrying about the wind knocking it over. The locking casters are a nice touch—roll it out from the garage for a party, lock it down, and cook with confidence.
The total cooking space is 748 square inches. That’s enough for:
- 20-25 hamburgers at once
- Two whole chickens or a large turkey breast
- Three racks of ribs (using a rib rack)
- Corn, vegetables, and sausages all simultaneously
For most families, that’s plenty. You can easily host a party of 10-12 people without cooking in shifts.
The Genius of a Dual Fuel Grill: Gas vs. Charcoal, No Compromise
Why settle for one fuel source when you can have both? Let’s break down exactly how the two sides perform.
Propane Side: The Weekday Hero
The three main burners on the propane side are rated at roughly 10,000 BTUs each. That’s not the highest output on the market, but it’s more than adequate for even searing. I preheated the grill to 500°F in about 8 minutes on a mild 70° day.
The propane BBQ grill with side burner means you can:
- Sear steaks on the main grates while sautéing onions on the side
- Boil corn or beans without running back inside to your kitchen stove
- Keep BBQ sauce warm while glazing chicken
The ignition system is piezoelectric. Push the knob, hear the click, and the burner lights. No fussing with matches. Each burner controls independently, so you can create direct and indirect heat zones.
Charcoal Side: The Weekend Flavor Machine
Here’s where the LAUDLIFE shines for purists. The charcoal chamber is deep enough to hold a standard chimney starter’s worth of coals. You get that unmistakable smoky flavor that propane simply cannot replicate.
The charcoal grate adjusts up and down, giving you control over heat intensity. Want a screaming-hot sear? Raise the coals close to the cooking grates. Slow-cooking a pork shoulder? Lower them down and add wood chunks.
Because the charcoal side is separate from the gas side, smoke doesn’t interfere with your propane cooking. You can run both simultaneously—smoking a brisket low and slow on the charcoal side while grilling hot dogs for the kids on gas.
Non-Stick Enamel Coating Grates: A Game Changer for Cleanup
Let’s be honest: Nobody enjoys scraping burnt residue off grill grates. Traditional cast iron grates rust if you look at them wrong. Stainless steel is better but still requires scrubbing.
The LAUDLIFE uses non-stick enamel coating grates on both cooking surfaces. This is a feature you don’t see often at this price point.
What does that mean for you?
- Food releases easily. Chicken skin won’t tear. Fish fillets won’t disintegrate.
- Cleanup takes seconds. A soft brush or bunched-up foil is all you need.
- No rust. Enamel doesn’t corrode like cast iron.
- No seasoning required. Unlike raw cast iron, these grates work perfectly out of the box.
After a cookout, I let the grill cool, gave the grates a quick scrape, and wiped them with a damp cloth. Done. Within five minutes, the grill looked nearly new.
One caution: Don’t use metal brushes with stiff, sharp wires. They can scratch the enamel over time. A nylon brush or wooden scraper is safer.
748 SQ.IN Cooking Space: How to Use Every Inch
Raw square inches don’t tell the whole story. Layout matters. The LAUDLIFE splits its 748 square inches across:
- Main gas cooking area: ~300 sq in
- Main charcoal cooking area: ~280 sq in
- Warming rack (gas side): ~100 sq in
- Side burner surface: ~68 sq in
Here’s a practical example of a full cookout using all the space simultaneously:
| Food Item | Cooking Location | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers (12) | Gas main grates | 10 min |
| Ribs (3 racks) | Charcoal side (low heat) | 2-3 hours |
| Baked beans | Side burner (pot) | 20 min |
| Corn on cob | Gas warming rack (indirect heat) | 15 min |
You can truly cook an entire meal outdoors without ever stepping back into your kitchen. That’s the promise of a well-designed dual fuel grill, and the LAUDLIFE delivers.
The Side Burner: More Useful Than You Think
Many combo grills include a side burner that feels like an afterthought. Low BTUs. Flimsy construction. A grate that can barely hold a small saucepan.
Not here. The LAUDLIFE’s side burner is rated at 12,000 BTUs. That’s enough to bring a pot of water to a rolling boil in about 6 minutes. The grate is wide and sturdy enough for a 12-inch cast iron skillet or a large stockpot.
Real-world uses for the propane BBQ grill with side burner:
- Seafood boiling: Cook shrimp, crab, or crawfish outside so your house doesn’t smell like a fish market.
- Deep frying: Keep oil temperature consistent without stinking up your kitchen.
- Camping-style breakfast: Fry eggs and bacon while the main grill heats up.
- Keeping sauces warm: Finish your BBQ glaze or gravy on low heat.
One small complaint: The side burner cover is a bit lightweight. It protects the burner when not in use, but don’t stand on it or stack heavy items on top.
Assembly Experience: What to Expect
Let’s talk about getting this backyard barbecue stand out of the box and ready to cook.
Time required: 60-90 minutes for one person, 40 minutes with two people.
Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver (included wrench is basic but works).
Difficulty: Moderate. Not as easy as a pre-assembled grill, but far from impossible.
The instruction manual uses decent diagrams, though the text is small. I recommend laying out all parts first and matching them to the parts list. A few tips from my assembly:
- Don’t tighten bolts fully until all pieces of a section are attached. This gives you wiggle room.
- The side burner gas line connects with a standard fitting. Hand-tighten first, then give it a quarter turn with a wrench. Check for leaks with soapy water before first use.
- The charcoal tray slides in and out easily. Make sure it’s seated correctly before adding coals.
After assembly, everything felt solid. No wobble. No misaligned holes. For a grill in this price range, the build quality is better than average.
Cooking Performance: Heat Distribution and Control
Theory is nice. Results matter. I cooked six different meals on the LAUDLIFE to test its limits.
Test 1: Gas Side – Thick-Cut Ribeye Steaks
- Goal: Hard sear with medium-rare center.
- Method: Preheated on high for 10 minutes. Steaks at room temperature. Two minutes per side, then moved to cooler zone for 3 more minutes.
- Result: Excellent sear marks. The non-stick enamel coating grates allowed me to flip without tearing the crust. Internal temperature hit 130°F perfectly. The only shortcoming? The 10,000 BTU burners don’t produce the same radiant heat as 15,000+ BTU units, so the sear wasn’t quite as dark as a restaurant-quality infrared grill. But for home use? More than acceptable.
Test 2: Charcoal Side – Low and Slow Pork Ribs
- Goal: 3-2-1 method (3 hours smoke, 2 hours wrapped, 1 hour sauce).
- Method: Maintained 250°F using bottom vents and adjustable charcoal grate.
- Result: Excellent smoke penetration. The deep charcoal chamber held a full lit chimney of coals for nearly 4 hours before needing a refill. Temperature control was better than expected—the vents actually work. Ribs came out tender but not falling apart.
Test 3: Both Sides Simultaneously – Chicken and Vegetables
- Goal: Grill chicken thighs on gas, roast vegetables in a cast iron pan on charcoal.
- Method: Gas burners at medium-high (400°F). Charcoal side at medium (350°F).
- Result: No noticeable cross-contamination of smoke to the gas side. Both foods cooked perfectly. Being able to adjust each fuel source independently is a luxury you don’t get with single-fuel grills.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
After thorough testing, here’s where the LAUDLIFE gas charcoal grill combo excels and where it falls short.
Pros
- True dual fuel flexibility. Switch between propane and charcoal in seconds, or use both at once.
- Non-stick enamel grates. Cleanup is dramatically easier than standard cast iron or stainless steel.
- Stable, heavy-duty stand. No wobbling. Locking casters make moving easy.
- 748 total square inches. Enough space for family gatherings and small parties.
- Powerful 12,000 BTU side burner. Actually useful for boiling, frying, and sauces.
- Adjustable charcoal grate. Gives you temperature control that many charcoal grills lack.
- Good value. You’re essentially getting two grills plus a side burner for less than the price of a mid-range single-fuel unit.
Cons
- Gas burners could be hotter. 10,000 BTUs per burner is adequate but not thrilling. Hardcore sear-lovers may want more.
- Assembly takes time. Not a dealbreaker, but set aside an hour.
- Side burner cover feels cheap. Works fine but doesn’t match the heavy-duty feel of the main stand.
- No built-in thermometer on charcoal lid. You’ll need an external probe for accurate low-and-slow cooking.
- Enamel grates require gentle cleaning. No metal brushes with sharp wires. This is a small adjustment.
- Weight. At roughly 70 pounds, it’s not something you’ll carry up stairs alone.
Who Should Buy the LAUDLIFE Dual Fuel Grill?
This grill is ideal for:
- The indecisive cook. You love charcoal flavor but crave propane convenience. Now you don’t have to choose.
- The space-constrained homeowner. You have room for one grill, not two. This combo fits on a standard patio.
- The outdoor kitchen enthusiast. You cook entire meals outside, from seared meats to simmered sides.
- The practical host. You want to grill burgers for a crowd without waiting for coals to ash over.
- The beginner learning the craft. Use propane while you learn temperature control. Experiment with charcoal on weekends.
This grill is not ideal for:
- Competition smokers. The charcoal side is versatile but not large enough for whole packer briskets or multiple pork butts.
- Those who want the hottest possible sear. Look for a dedicated infrared or high-BTU gas grill if searing is your #1 priority.
- People who hate assembly. Pay a handyman or buy pre-assembled locally.
Maintenance and Longevity Tips
To keep your LAUDLIFE grill performing for years:
- Clean the non-stick enamel coating grates after every use. A soft brush or wooden scraper is all you need. Don’t let food carbonize and build up.
- Cover the grill when not in use. Even a cheap cover protects against rain and UV damage. The stand is heavy-duty, but direct moisture will eventually cause surface rust on hardware.
- Empty ash from the charcoal side after every cook. Ash attracts moisture and accelerates corrosion.
- Check gas connections annually. Use soapy water to detect leaks. Replace the propane hose every 3-5 years as a safety precaution.
- Season the exterior painted surfaces with a light coat of cooking oil once per season to prevent rust on scratches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I convert the propane side to natural gas?
A: The manufacturer does not include a natural gas conversion kit, and conversion is not officially supported. Using an aftermarket kit would void your warranty and could be unsafe. Stick with propane unless you’re comfortable with gas fittings and have a professional assess it.
Q: How much charcoal does the charcoal side hold?
A: A full standard chimney starter (about 100 briquettes) fits comfortably. For low-and-slow cooking, you’ll use about half that and add 10-15 briquettes every 45 minutes.
Q: Is the side burner powerful enough to fry a turkey?
A: No. A turkey fryer typically requires 50,000+ BTUs. The 12,000 BTU side burner can handle a small pot for frying chicken pieces or fish, but not a whole turkey.
Q: Can I use wood chunks on the charcoal side for smoking?
A: Absolutely. Soak wood chunks for 30 minutes, then place them directly on the coals. The adjustable charcoal grate lets you position the wood for optimal smoke.
Q: Does the grill come with a propane tank?
A: No. You’ll need to purchase a standard 20-pound propane tank separately. Most hardware stores sell them filled or offer tank exchanges.
Q: How does the non-stick enamel coating hold up over time?
A: With proper care (no metal brushes, no abrasive cleaners), expect 3-5 years before the coating shows significant wear. This is similar to the lifespan of non-stick cookware. Replacement grates are available from the manufacturer.
Q: Can I leave the grill outside year-round?
A: Yes, but use a waterproof cover. In freezing climates, disconnect the propane tank and store it separately. The stand will handle rain and snow, but the burners and enamel grates prefer to stay dry.
Final Verdict: Is the LAUDLIFE Gas and Charcoal Grill Combo Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line.
If you have the budget and space for two separate high-end grills—a gas unit for weeknights and a ceramic kamado for weekends—you don’t need this product. You’re already living the dream.
But for the other 95% of backyard cooks, the LAUDLIFE gas charcoal grill combo represents one of the smartest compromises available. You give up a little raw power on the gas side compared to dedicated $800+ propane grills. You give up a little charcoal capacity compared to a 22-inch kettle. What you gain is flexibility.
Need to grill burgers quickly after work? Fire up the propane side. Have a lazy Saturday to smoke ribs? Light the charcoal. Hosting a birthday party? Run both sides simultaneously and add the side burner for baked beans.
The non-stick enamel coating grates genuinely make cleanup faster. The backyard barbecue stand feels solid beneath your spatula. And the propane BBQ grill with side burner means you’re never running inside to boil corn or sauté mushrooms again.
At this price point—typically under $400 depending on sales—you’re getting exceptional value. The only major competitor in the dual fuel space is the Char-Griller Duo, which often costs more and lacks the enamel grates.
Is it perfect? No. The gas burners won’t impress hardcore sear enthusiasts. The side burner cover is flimsy. Assembly requires patience.
But for the home cook who wants to explore both gas and charcoal without buying two grills? The LAUDLIFE is a winner.
Ready to Transform Your Backdoor Cooking?
Stop choosing between convenience and flavor. Stop scrubbing stuck-on food from rusty grates. Stop running inside to finish your side dishes.
The LAUDLIFE gas and charcoal grill combo is waiting for you.
Click the button below to check the latest price on Amazon. Your backyard barbecues are about to get a whole lot more interesting.