I just tell about our experience. We bought gas charcoal grill combos. And it turned out to be very convenient. we also always have an extra gallon of gas, but several times we have already been helped by the opportunity to cook on coal in unforeseen situations. Our last purchase (and we believe it was successful) grill combo model Char-Broil Gas2Coal. But an inconvenience you will have to contend with is the lack of height adjustment grates to control heat when charcoal grilling. This is particularly grating, pun unintended because the charcoal tray sits very close to the grates which may cause burning or flare-ups. The gas tank is also placed at the back of the unit, which requires more effort to access it.