BESTFIRE Dual Fuel Propane Gas Charcoal Grill Combo Black Dual Lids, Flat Top Grill With 2 Side Shelves for BBQ, Outdoor and Backyard Cooking

A compact dual-fuel workhorse for small patios and weekend camping

I’ve been cooking on the Bestfire combo grill for several weeks, splitting time between the propane griddle and the charcoal grate. The short version: it’s a thoughtfully designed, space-saving dual-fuel setup that punches above its size for couples or small families. It’s not a replacement for a full-sized gasser or a kettle if you’re feeding a crowd, but it shines for weeknight meals, camping, and “everything breakfast” sessions.

Design, assembly, and build

Out of the box, assembly was straightforward. The hardware was labeled, the holes were aligned, and I had it together in under an hour with a basic socket set and screwdriver. The frame is light enough to maneuver solo, and the heavy-duty wheels with lockable casters make it easy to park on a patio or roll out of a garage.

The layout is compact without feeling cramped. Two side shelves give you meaningful prep space, and the integrated hooks are perfect for tongs, a spatula, and a brush. I also found the center condiment shelf genuinely useful—it kept oil, salt, and rubs off the main shelves where I’m working. Dual lids with large handles feel sturdy, and they do a decent job of retaining heat for the charcoal side and protecting the griddle when not in use.

Materials are what I’d expect in this price tier: powder-coated steel for the body, a cast-iron griddle, and a stainless U-shaped burner. The overall build is more “portable backyard cart” than “heirloom tank,” which is fine as long as you treat it like a light-moderate duty appliance. I did touch up some exposed hardware with high-temp paint to ward off rust—worth the five extra minutes during assembly.

Cooking performance

This grill is split into two clear zones:

• Propane griddle: a U-shaped 12,000 BTU stainless burner beneath a 187 sq in cast-iron surface.
• Charcoal chamber: a 140 sq in grate for direct or semi-indirect cooking.

On the gas side, preheat times were reasonable—about 8–10 minutes to get the griddle to the mid-400s Fahrenheit in mild weather. Heat distribution is better than I expected for a single-burner design; the center runs hotter, with the edges a touch cooler. I leaned into that by searing smash burgers or bacon in the center and sliding items to the edges to coast. Breakfast is where this side shines: bacon, eggs, hash browns, and pancakes came out great with minimal sticking once the surface was properly seasoned. Fajitas and smash burgers also benefited from the griddle’s contact heat and easy grease management.

The charcoal side is small but capable. I used a half chimney of briquettes in baskets for two-zone cooking and a modest sear zone. Because the charcoal grate height isn’t adjustable, fire management is all about fuel quantity and placement. With a single layer of lit coals, I got chicken thighs to crisp nicely without scorching; for steaks, a mound of fully lit briquettes directly under the cooking area delivered solid sear marks. It’s not a slow-smoker—there’s not enough space or airflow control for long, low cooks—but for classic charcoal flavor on weeknight steaks, skewers, and grilled vegetables, it worked well.

Importantly, the dual lids let you run both sides at once. I often did burgers on the charcoal grate while toasting buns and onions on the griddle. For a small unit, that kind of flexibility goes a long way.

Usability and cleanup

Grease and ash management is excellent for the size. The slide-out grease tray under the propane side actually catches what it should, and the griddle’s grease channel keeps the surface from pooling. On the charcoal side, the full-width ash tray makes post-cook cleanup painless—pull, dump, wipe. If you’ve wrestled with cramped ash cups before, you’ll appreciate this setup.

The side shelves are sturdy enough for trays and a cutting board, and the hooks did their job. The cart design keeps things reasonably rigid for a lightweight frame. Once you lock the casters, the unit stays put while scraping the griddle or working the charcoal.

A few usability notes:
- The propane side is a griddle-only design. You can physically move the charcoal grate over, but there are no heat tents/flame tamers above the burner. In practice, that means drippings will hit the burner and flare. I tested it once; I wouldn’t cook fatty foods that way.
- There are no built-in temperature gauges on the lids. I clipped a probe to the charcoal grate and used a griddle surface thermometer on the gas side. If you like precise temps, plan for add-ons.
- Wind affects the propane flame less than I expected thanks to the griddle acting as a barrier, but very gusty conditions do cool the edges. A few extra minutes of preheat helped.

Capacity and real-world fit

The total 327 sq in cooking area handles two to three people comfortably. I could do four 6–8 oz burgers and a tray of onions on the griddle while grilling asparagus and halloumi on the charcoal side, or a couple of ribeyes over charcoal with mushrooms and smashed potatoes on the griddle. If you routinely cook for six or more, you’ll find the footprint limiting, but for small households, it’s right-sized and efficient with fuel.

Because it’s relatively light, I also brought it car-camping. It fit in the SUV standing up, rolled easily at the site, and the dual-fuel flexibility made breakfasts fast and dinners flavorful. Just plan on a heat-resistant mat if you’re placing it on delicate decking or uneven ground.

Durability and maintenance

After a handful of cooks, the griddle’s coating held up well once seasoned. Like any cast-iron surface, it benefits from a light oil film after cleaning. The powder-coated body hasn’t shown bubbling or flaking so far, though I did notice that uncoated screws can flash-rust in humid weather. A basic preventative routine helps:
- Season the griddle thoroughly on day one and after each deep clean.
- Hit exposed hardware with high-temp paint or a thin coat of oil.
- Keep it covered when stored outdoors.
- Do a quick soapy-water leak test on the propane connection the first time you hook it up and anytime you reattach a tank.

These are simple steps, but they meaningfully extend the life of a lightweight grill.

What could be better

• Adjustable charcoal height: Even a modest lift/lower mechanism would expand control. As is, you manage heat with fuel amount and placement alone.
• Burner heat tents and optional grate on gas side: Being able to swap between griddle and grate without flare-ups would add versatility.
• Built-in thermometers: Lid gauges aren’t perfect, but they’re handy. Clip-on or magnetic thermometers fill the gap, just another thing to buy.
• Heft: The lightweight frame is great for mobility but also means you should avoid leaning heavily on the shelves and be mindful in high wind.

None of these are dealbreakers for the intended use, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Value and who it’s for

The Bestfire combo grill fills a niche: people who want both charcoal flavor and griddle convenience in a compact, budget-friendly package. If you’re in an apartment with a small patio, you cook for one to three most nights, or you want a portable backyard/camping setup, it’s a smart fit. If your goal is all-day smoking, high-capacity entertaining, or high-precision charcoal control, look elsewhere.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bestfire combo grill for small households and campers who want genuine dual-fuel flexibility without a big footprint or price tag. It’s easy to assemble, easy to clean, and surprisingly capable for its size. The propane griddle is a joy for breakfast and quick weeknights, the charcoal side delivers the flavor you expect, and the thoughtful touches—side shelves, hooks, slide-out trays, and lockable casters—make it pleasant to live with.

Go in with clear expectations: it’s a compact, lightweight grill with a griddle-only gas side, no built-in thermometers, and non-adjustable charcoal height. If those trade-offs fit your cooking style, it’s a reliable, versatile companion that earns its space on a small patio and pays off on weekend trips.