My old Weber gas grill still works fine. But last spring, I bought the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC anyway.
Why? Because I got tired of choosing between gas and charcoal. I wanted both. Plus smoking. And a side burner for my baked beans.
I wanted it all in one package.
Three months later, I can tell you exactly what this grill does well and where it falls short. I’ve cooked it at least twice a week since assembly. I’ve fed my family, my neighbors, and one time accidentally hosted half the Little League team when word got out about my ribs.
Let me walk you through everything I’ve learned.
What This Thing Actually Is
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC combines four cooking methods in one unit:
- Gas grilling (left side)
- Charcoal grilling (right side)
- Offset smoking (attached on the side)
- A bonus burner (for sides and sauces)
It weighs 87 pounds fully assembled. It’s black. It takes up most of my back patio.
And it changed how I cook outdoors.
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The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC Dimensions
Let’s get specific about size because this matters more than you think.
The grill measures 67.72 inches long, 23.35 inches deep, and 46.22 inches tall. That’s nearly six feet across.
I measured my patio twice. My wife measured it three more times because she knows me. Good thing she did—I had about two inches of clearance on one side.
The cooking space totals 1020 square inches:
- Gas side: 333 square inches
- Charcoal side: 333 square inches
- Warming rack: 157 square inches
- Offset smoker: 197 square inches
The company says you can cook 36 burgers at once. I tested this at a block party. The math checks out. I made exactly 36 burgers. My street now expects me to host all future gatherings.
Plan for at least 8 feet by 4 feet of clear space. You need room to open the lids, access the smoker door, and move around safely. I learned this after nearly burning my shed door during my first cook.
Read more: Brand-Man Charcoal Offset Smoker Review
Assembly: Where I Questioned My Life Choices
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC assembly almost defeated me.
I started Saturday morning with coffee and confidence. By Saturday afternoon, I’d invented words that would make sailors blush.
What Nobody Tells You
The instructions are just pictures. No words. Just drawings that sometimes make sense and sometimes seem like abstract art.
Parts have letters stamped on them. The manual uses numbers. Sometimes both appear. Sometimes neither.
I spent twenty minutes trying to figure out which identical-looking metal plate went where. Turns out I was holding it upside down.
How I Actually Got Through It
I used a power drill. Anyone telling you to use a screwdriver is lying or hates you. Maybe both.
I called my brother-in-law. The gas burner installation needs two people. The gas line barely reaches, so someone has to hold parts in place while you screw them together. I bought him pizza and beer. Fair trade.
I took six hours total, including a lunch break and two sessions of standing back and staring at parts.
Real Problems I Hit
Screw holes don’t line up easily. You’ll push, adjust, maybe curse a little. This is normal. Keep trying different angles.
Some parts came installed wrong. My smoker vent was backwards from the factory. Easy fix once I noticed, but frustrating.
There’s protective film on small racks. It looks like white coating. It’s not. Peel it off before cooking unless you enjoy toxic plastic smell with your steak.
The manual skips important steps. Like removing that film I just mentioned.
But here’s the good news: once assembled, it stays solid. Nothing wobbles. Nothing fell apart after three months of regular use.
Understanding the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC Parts
Let me break down what you’re actually getting.
Gas Side Components
Two stainless steel burners put out 12,000 BTU each. That’s 24,000 BTU total on the gas side.
The ignition system uses piezo clicks instead of batteries. Push the button, get a spark, light the gas. Works every time. No dead batteries to replace.
The cooking grates are cast iron with porcelain enamel coating. They heat evenly, hold temperature well, and clean easier than bare cast iron. They’re also heavy enough to use as weapons if needed. (Don’t do this.)
Charcoal Side Setup
This side gets interesting.
The charcoal pan moves to three different heights. Low for slow cooking. Middle for normal grilling. High for searing hot.
You can fit 3.3 pounds of charcoal max. That’s enough for 3-4 hours of cooking depending on how you manage the vents.
Same porcelain-coated cast iron grates on this side too.
The Offset Smoker
The smoker attaches to the right side. It holds 1.5 pounds of charcoal and works either as a smoker or an extra charcoal grill.
There’s a side door for adding charcoal without opening the main lid. This small detail makes huge difference during long smoking sessions. You keep heat and smoke inside while you refuel.
Smoke flows from the smoker into the main chamber through a connecting port. You control temperature with vents on the smoker and the chimney stack.
Side Burner Details
The left side has a 10,000 BTU burner perfect for sauces, beans, or corn.
The lid flips down when you’re not using it. That creates extra counter space. I use this surface constantly for plates, seasonings, or my beer.
Extra Features
Each main lid has a built-in thermometer. They’re accurate enough for general cooking. I still use a probe thermometer for meat though.
A basket on the front holds tools, seasonings, or drinks. Small touch, big convenience.
The middle shelf stores charcoal bags or plates. Keeps stuff off the ground.
There’s a bottle opener built into the side. Honestly might be the best feature. Nothing worse than needing to open a beer and hunting for an opener.
Grills House ZH3005Y-SC Accessories I Actually Use
Beyond the cover, I added a few things that made this grill better.
Must-Have Items
Chimney starter for lighting charcoal. Skip lighter fluid. Chimneys work faster and don’t make food taste like chemicals. Costs about $15.
Long-handled tools. The grill gets hot. Really hot. Short tools mean singed arm hair. I learned this once. Once was enough.
Good grill brush. Those cast iron grates need regular cleaning. I replace my brush every year.
Instant-read thermometer. The lid thermometer tells grill temp. A probe thermometer tells meat temp. You need both.
Drip pans under the charcoal grates. Makes cleanup way easier.
Wood chunks for smoking. I keep hickory, apple, and mesquite on hand. Each adds different flavor.
Nice Extras
Grill light for cooking after dark. Summer evenings last longer than daylight.
Pizza stone that fits on the gas side. Game changer for homemade pizza.
Rib rack lets you cook more ribs vertically instead of laying them flat.
I looked for a rotisserie kit. This grill doesn’t support one. Can’t have everything.
How It Actually Cooks
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Theory means nothing. Let’s talk about real performance.
Gas Side Performance
The gas burners heat up fast. Ten minutes to hit 450°F.
But here’s something important: heat concentrates over the burners. About two inches on each side of each burner gets hottest. The space between burners runs cooler.
This creates natural zones. Hot zone for searing. Cooler zone for indirect cooking. You just need to know where to put your food.
One reviewer warned about fire risk if you’re not careful. I haven’t had issues, but these burners pump serious heat. Pay attention to what you’re doing.
Charcoal Side Reality
The charcoal side gets HOT.
Even with vents half-closed and the pan on the lowest position, temps climb fast.
I learned to use less charcoal than I thought I needed. Half a chimney is plenty for most cooks. A full load turns this into a blast furnace.
The adjustable pan height helps, just not as much as I expected. Low position keeps food farther from coals. High position brings food inches away for intense searing.
Once I figured out the sweet spot, I started getting restaurant-quality char on steaks.
Smoking Results
The offset smoker surprised me in a good way.
I’ve smoked pork shoulder, beef ribs, and whole chickens. Temperature holds steady with minimal fiddling. The vents give enough control for low-and-slow cooking.
The smoker also heats the main chamber. Brilliant design. You can smoke on one side while grilling on the other.
Wood chunks work better than chips. They burn longer and make cleaner smoke.
Side Burner Use
This little burner earns its keep.
I’ve made jambalaya, boiled shrimp, reduced barbecue sauce, and warmed tortillas on it. Ten thousand BTU handles everything from rolling boil to gentle simmer.
The flip-down lid protects it when not in use and gives me extra counter space constantly.
Grills House ZH3005Y-SC vs Brand-man
| Feature | Grills House ZH3005Y-SC (Royal Gourmet) | Brand-Man 4-Burner Gas Grill |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Dual Fuel (Propane Gas & Charcoal) | Propane Gas (Often NG Convertible with kit) |
| Price | Approx. $370 - $430 USD | Approx. $800 - $900 USD (Retail) |
| Total BTU Output | 34,000 BTU | 44,000 - 52,000 BTU |
| Cooking Area (Total) | 1020 sq. in. (Gas, Charcoal, Smoker, Warming) | Approx. 600 - 630 sq. in. (Primary + Warming) |
| Grates Material | Porcelain-enameled Steel Wire (Gas/Charcoal Grates) | Cast Iron (Common in Rustler/Griddle models) |
Grills House ZH3005Y-SC vs Feasto
| Feature | Grills House ZH3005Y-SC (Known Specs) | Feasto (Comparable Dual-Fuel Grill) |
|---|---|---|
| Total BTU Output | 34,000 BTU | Likely in the 30,000 - 45,000 BTU range for a comparable size |
| Total Cooking Area | 1,020 sq. in. | Likely 650 - 1,000+ sq. in. |
| Approximate Price | $260 - $400 USD (Varies by retailer/sale) | $250 - $450 USD |
| Key Features | Dual Fuel, Offset Smoker, Side Burner, Height-Adjustable Charcoal Pan, Warming Rack | Likely features Gas Burners, maybe a Side Burner or Infrared Searing Burner |
| Build/Material | Steel Main Body, Porcelain-Enameled Grates, Stainless Steel Burners | Likely similar basic/mid-grade materials (Powder-coated steel/Porcelain-coated grates) |
| Durability Concern | Holding temperature, parts fit, rust resistance over time. | Same concerns regarding quality of components and longevity. |
Who Should Buy This
The Grills House ZH3005Y-SC fits some people perfectly and frustrates others.
Buy It If You:
- Want multiple cooking methods without owning multiple grills.
- Need capacity for big gatherings.
- I want premium features at accessible prices.
- Don’t mind a challenging assembly.
- I like experimenting with different cooking techniques.
Skip It If You:
- Hate difficult assembly projects.
- Can’t accept cosmetic flaws.
- Have limited patio space.
- Only ever want gas OR only ever want charcoal.
- Want top-tier materials and construction.
Taking Care of It
Nobody buys a grill planning for it to break. Here’s realistic maintenance.
After Each Cook
- Clean grates while warm. Brush thoroughly.
- Empty the grease trap.
- Check propane connections if you used gas.
Every Month
- Deep clean grates with hot soapy water.
- Clear burner ports of blockages.
- Empty all ash completely.
Every Season
- Check gas lines for cracks.
- Touch up paint chips to prevent rust.
- Tighten all bolts. Things loosen over time.
- Season cast iron if porcelain chips anywhere.
How Long It Lasts
Will this last five years? Probably, with decent care.
Ten years? Unlikely without replacing parts.
The thin materials mean this isn’t an heirloom piece. It’s a tool that gives great value during its lifespan.
Cover it religiously and maintain it properly. You’ll get solid use for at least five years.
Pros and Cons
| pros | cons |
|---|---|
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FAQs
- How long does assembly actually take?
Plan for 4-6 hours with two people. The instructions are picture-only and confusing. Screw holes don’t line up easily. You’ll need a power drill—don’t even try with a screwdriver. I took 6 hours including breaks. Some reviewers finished in 3 hours, others needed 8. Budget a full day and you won’t be disappointed.
- What are the exact Grills House ZH3005Y-SC dimensions?
The grill measures 67.72 inches long, 23.35 inches deep, and 46.22 inches tall. That’s nearly 6 feet across. You’ll need at least 8 feet by 4 feet of clear patio space to use it safely. The cooking area totals 1020 square inches—enough for 36 burgers at once.
- Do I really need the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC cover?
Yes. I learned this the hard way after one week of rain caused rust spots. The Loenel cover fits perfectly at 68″L x 23.5″W x 46″H and costs about $39. It has a drawstring, buckles, and thick waterproof material. That $39 will save you hundreds in rust damage and part replacements.
- Can I cook with gas and charcoal at the same time?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point. The left side runs on gas, the right side uses charcoal. They’re completely separate. I regularly grill burgers on gas while smoking ribs on charcoal. The offset smoker adds a third option. You can literally use all three methods simultaneously.
- How hot does the charcoal side get?
Very hot—almost too hot. Even with vents partially closed and the charcoal pan on the lowest setting, temps climb aggressively. Use less charcoal than you think you need. Half a chimney starter is plenty for most cooks. A full load turns it into a blast furnace. The three-position adjustable pan helps, but don’t expect precise temperature control like a premium smoker.
- What Grills House ZH3005Y-SC parts are most likely to need replacing?
The paint chips and scratches easily—plan on touch-ups. The elastic on covers wears out after a few months. Thermometers eventually fail. Porcelain coating on grates can chip with rough handling. The gas ignition system has held up well for me. Overall, most parts are solid if you maintain them properly.
- Is the Grills House ZH3005Y-SC the same as Royal Gourmet?
Yes. Grills House is a sub-brand of Royal Gourmet—same manufacturer, identical product. Comparing them is pointless. You’re getting the exact same grill regardless of which name is on the label. Sometimes prices vary slightly by retailer, but performance and quality are identical.
- What accessories do I actually need?
Beyond the cover, get a chimney starter ($15), long-handled tools, a good grill brush, and an instant-read thermometer. Wood chunks for smoking are essential if you’ll use that feature. Drip pans make cleanup easier. Budget $100-150 for accessories on top of the grill price.
- Will this grill last 5-10 years?
Five years? Probably, with good maintenance. Ten years? Unlikely without significant part replacements. The thin materials and budget construction mean this isn’t an heirloom piece. Cover it religiously, clean it regularly, and touch up paint chips. It’ll give you solid service for at least five years.
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