Captiva Designs Grill Review: The Ultimate Propane & Charcoal Combo for Backyard BBQ
If you’re looking for a versatile grill that combines the convenience of propane with the classic smoky flavors of charcoal, the Captiva Designs Propane & Charcoal Grill Combo is a standout choice. This dual-fuel grill gives you flexible cooking options, a spacious cooking area, sturdy construction, and practical features that make it ideal for backyard gatherings, family cookouts, or even weekday dinners.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore its performance, capacity, user-friendly design, cleaning, safety features, durability, real-world use, conclusion, and frequently asked questions.
Grill Review
The Captiva Designs Grill Combo (Model GR019) offers the best of both worlds. With independent propane burners and a separate charcoal chamber, you can switch between rapid, clean-burning gas cooking and charcoal’s rich, smoky taste. This design is perfect for grill enthusiasts who want flexibility, performance, and the freedom to explore different grilling styles.
Key Features & Highlights
Dual Fuel Capability
The propane side lets you light up quickly, control heat precisely, and sear efficiently.
The charcoal side enables low-and-slow smoking, traditional BBQ flavors, and direct-heat searing with real wood or charcoal.
Spacious Cooking Area
The combined cooking surface is approximately 690 square inches, offering plenty of room for burgers, ribs, vegetables, or a mix of foods.
The design allows both fuel chambers to operate independently, so you can run the gas burners while the charcoal heats or transitions to coals.
Porcelain‑Enameled Cast-Iron Grates
These grates retain heat effectively and distribute it evenly, making searing more consistent and reliable.
The porcelain coating resists rust and is more durable than bare cast iron, contributing to long-term usability.
Side Burner
A dedicated side burner gives you space to prepare sauces, boil water, or sauté while the main grills are in use. This increases the grill’s utility and makes it more like an outdoor cooking station.
Full-Size Tilt Grease Tray & Ash Tray
The grease tray under the gas side is angled and slides out for easy cleaning, helping to prevent buildup and flare-ups.
On the charcoal side, a removable ash tray collects ash efficiently, simplifying cleanup.
Built-In Thermometer
The lid features a thermometer, allowing you to monitor temperature without lifting the hood—a useful feature for both gas and charcoal sections.
Tool Holders & Warming Rack
Integrated tool hooks and a warming rack enhance organization and functionality, making it easier to keep your workspace clean and efficient.
Mobility & Structure
Locking casters help you move the grill when needed and secure it in place during use.
The frame construction is sturdy and stable, reducing wobble even when both fuel systems are in use.
1. Grill Capacity
Capacity is one of the biggest advantages of this Captiva grill combo.
Cooking Area Breakdown
Total Grill Surface: ~690 sq in.
Charcoal Section: Provides a dedicated space for traditional grilling or smoking.
Gas Section: Allows high-heat direct cooking with consistent control.
This dual-fuel design gives flexibility for high-volume cooking or for preparing different components of a meal simultaneously.
Use Cases for Capacity
Large Gatherings: Perfect for hosting BBQs where you want to grill chicken, burgers, and vegetables all at once.
Meal Prep: You can use gas for quick searing and charcoal for slow-cooking or smoking, making it ideal for prepping multiple dishes.
Versatile Cooking: Combine charcoal and gas modes for advanced techniques like reverse sear, slow smoke + finish, or multi-zone grilling.
2. User-friendly design and cleaning
Aside from its cooking power, this grill is surprisingly user-friendly, thanks to thoughtful design touches.
Design Features
Independent Controls: Separate knobs for gas burners make it easy to adjust temperature in the gas chamber while keeping the charcoal section separate.
Tool Organization: Hooks and an accessible rack keep your grill tools within reach, helping you maintain a tidy workspace.
Mobility: Lockable wheels (casters) let you move the grill around your patio or reposition it and then lock it in place.
Grease Management: The gas side’s grease tray is slide-out, making it easier to access and clean.
Ash Removal: The charcoal side features a full-sized ash tray for collecting ash—so you don’t need to dismantle or reach into cramped corners.
Grate Cleaning: The porcelain-enameled cast-iron grates can be scrubbed without much fuss, but maintaining them (especially the charcoal side) will help preserve their coating.
General Exterior: The stainless steel and steel body can be wiped down with a cloth to keep it looking clean and prevent rust or dirt buildup.
3. Safety Features and Durability
Sturdy Construction: The grill’s frame is built to handle the weight of both fuel systems and the heat produced from long cook sessions.
Ventilation: Proper airflow is designed into the charcoal chamber to ensure safe combustion and reduce smoke buildup.
Grease Tray Design: The tilt tray helps minimize grease pooling, reducing flare-up risk.
Thermometer: The built-in lid thermometer helps monitor internal temperatures safely.
High‑Quality Materials: Use of steel, porcelain-enameled cast iron, and durable components ensures longevity.
Grease Container: The hanging grease box under the slide-out tray makes it easy to maintain and reduces the risk of rust caused by old grease.
Warranty / Support: While specific warranty terms for this model are not widely published, Captiva Designs is known to provide customer service and parts support.
Replacement Parts: According to the brand’s FAQ, replacement parts like grates and grease trays are available.
4.Conclusion
The Captiva Designs Propane & Charcoal Grill Combo (Model GR019) is an excellent, high-value choice for grillers who want flexibility, performance, and durability in one setup. Whether you’re aiming for fast gas-cooking, slow charcoal grilling, or combining both methods for advanced techniques, this grill delivers the tools and design to make it happen.
Who It’s Best For:
Enthusiasts who enjoy both gas convenience and charcoal flavor
Families or entertainers who need a large cooking area
People who want durable materials and reliable construction
Grillers who appreciate having extra cleaning and maintenance features
Why It Stands Out:
Combines the strengths of gas and charcoal in a single unit
Built with premium materials designed for longevity
Thoughtful design for cleaning and organization
Strong brand support, including replacement parts and guidance
If you value versatility, robustness, and the freedom to cook in multiple styles, this Captiva Designs grill combo is a top-tier pick.
5.FAQS
What fuel types does this grill use?
A: It supports both propane gas and charcoal.
How big is the cooking surface?
A: It provides approximately 690 square inches of combined cooking area.
What are the grates made of?
A: Porcelain-enameled cast-iron, which offers both durability and heat retention.
Is there a side burner?
A: Yes, there’s a side burner for sauces or additional cooking.
How do I clean grease and ash?
A: It has a slide-out grease tray for the gas side and a removable ash tray for the charcoal side.
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