Outdoor cooking gets simpler when you decide first how you want to cook: a flat surface for breakfasts and mixed meals, charcoal for traditional grilling, or a combination of charcoal and propane. The four choices here span from USD 19.30 to USD 439.99, so the most useful comparison is not simply about spending more. Consider the cooking format you will use most often, whether you want wheels or side workspace, and how much control you want over heat and fuel.
Quick take
- Pick the Blackstone 36" 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle Flat Top Grill Hard Cover 2177 for a broad flat-top format with four independently controlled zones, suited to cooking several foods at once.
- Pick the Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo Dual Function Outdoor Grill Car when switching between charcoal and propane matters more than keeping the initial cost low.
- Pick the 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels and Adjustable Dampers for a compact charcoal setup with adjustable dampers and rear wheels.
- Pick the Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill BBQ Barbecue Smoker Outdoor Pit Patio Cooker for a charcoal cooker with an adjustable charcoal pan, a warming rack, and a foldable side table.
Listed price comparison
The gap is substantial: the lowest listed price is 96% below the highest. A lower price can make sense for a straightforward charcoal grill, while the upper end adds the dual-fuel format. The Blackstone and the 46-inch charcoal cooker sit between those two extremes but take very different approaches to outdoor meals.
| Grill | Listed price | Relative price |
|---|---|---|
| 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels and Adjustable Dampers | USD 19.30 | |
| Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill BBQ Barbecue Smoker Outdoor Pit Patio Cooker | USD 143.99 | |
| Blackstone 36" 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle Flat Top Grill Hard Cover 2177 | USD 267.30 | |
| Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo Dual Function Outdoor Grill Car | USD 439.99 |
Decision matrix
| If your priority is... | Strong match | Why it fits | Trade-off to accept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat-top breakfasts, fajitas, fried rice, and other small-item cooking | Blackstone 36" 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle Flat Top Grill Hard Cover 2177 | A 768-square-inch griddle surface and four cooking zones favor varied menus | It is a propane griddle rather than a charcoal grill |
| Using either charcoal or propane | Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo Dual Function Outdoor Grill Car | Its dual-function design offers both fuel approaches and a side burner | It carries the highest listed price |
| A small charcoal grill that can move around an outdoor area | 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels and Adjustable Dampers | Rear wheels and adjustable stainless-steel air dampers keep the format simple | The compact 17.5-inch form is aimed at a smaller setup |
| Charcoal cooking with prep space and adjustable fire height | Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill BBQ Barbecue Smoker Outdoor Pit Patio Cooker | The crank-operated charcoal pan, ash tray, and foldable side table add working flexibility | Assembly is required and the overall unit measures 45.7 by 22.4 by 42.5 inches |
What separates these cooking styles
A flat-top griddle is the clearest departure from a conventional grill. The Blackstone's continuous surface is oriented toward foods that might slip through grates or that benefit from being cooked together, such as pancakes, eggs, vegetables, and fried rice. Its grease pan and tool holder also support a dedicated griddle workflow.
The remaining three choices center on charcoal, but their priorities differ. The 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill keeps the design compact and mobile. The Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill adds a more expansive charcoal-cooking layout, including an elevated warming rack and air dampers. The Captiva Designs combo broadens the choice of fuel instead, making it the most flexible format of the group for cooks who do not want to settle on charcoal alone.
Concise product notes
Blackstone 36" 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle Flat Top Grill Hard Cover 2177
Choose the Blackstone when the main goal is a dedicated flat cooking surface rather than grate-style grilling. The 768-square-inch cooking area, four independently controlled burners, and four separate zones create room to run different foods at different temperatures. A hard cover is included, while the grease pan and tool holder are practical additions for a griddle-centered station. At USD 267.30, it sits well above either charcoal-only entry, but below the dual-fuel combo. The key limitation is format: anyone specifically seeking charcoal cooking or grill grates will be choosing a different style of outdoor cooker.
Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo Dual Function Outdoor Grill Car
The Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo is the pick for cooks who want both charcoal and propane available in one outdoor setup. Its 384-square-inch cooking area is paired with a side burner, which can be useful for sauces or sides while the main grill is in use. The glossy black finish gives it a distinct look within this group. USD 439.99 is the highest listed price, so it makes the most sense when dual-fuel capability is central to the decision. Shoppers focused on a single cooking method can spend less on the dedicated charcoal or flat-top alternatives.
17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels and Adjustable Dampers
For a basic charcoal route, the 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill combines a 302-square-inch cooking surface with a porcelain-coated steel grid, lid, and fire bowl. Adjustable stainless-steel air dampers allow the oxygen flow to be managed, and wheels on the back legs help with repositioning on a porch, patio, or deck. Its USD 19.30 listed price is dramatically lower than the rest of the group, making the appeal straightforward. The limitation is its compact, charcoal-only design: it does not offer the multi-zone flat top of the Blackstone, a side burner, or the larger working layout of the 46-inch cooker.
Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill BBQ Barbecue Smoker Outdoor Pit Patio Cooker
The Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill is geared toward charcoal cooks who want more control around the fire and more room around the grill. Its height-adjustable charcoal pan uses a crank handle, while dual air dampers and a full-size ash tray support heat management and cleanup. A large main cooking area, elevated warming rack, foldable side table, and wheels make it more feature-focused than the compact charcoal model. At USD 143.99, it is a middle-priced charcoal choice. Its larger footprint and required assembly make it less suited to shoppers seeking the smallest, simplest grill.
Final recommendation
For most shoppers who want a broad, versatile cooking surface for complete outdoor meals, choose the Blackstone 36" 4 Burner Outdoor Griddle Flat Top Grill Hard Cover 2177 at USD 267.30. Its four controlled zones and 768-square-inch flat top give it the strongest fit for varied menus.
Choose the Charcoal Grill and Propane Gas Grill Combo Dual Function Outdoor Grill Car at USD 439.99 only when having both charcoal and propane is the deciding feature. For charcoal-focused cooking, the Heavy Duty 46-Inch Charcoal Grill BBQ Barbecue Smoker Outdoor Pit Patio Cooker offers the more involved setup, while the 17.5 Inch Charcoal Grill with Wheels and Adjustable Dampers is the clear low-cost, compact alternative at USD 19.30.
