Cross-draught gasifiers are an adaptation for the use of charcoal. Charcoal gasi­fication results in very high temperatures (1500 °C and higher) in the oxidation zone which can lead to material problems. In cross-draught gasifiers insulation against these high temperatures is provided by the fuel (charcoal) itself. Advan­tages of the system lie in the very small scale at which it can be operated. Installations below 10 kW (shaft power) can under certain conditions be economically feasible. The reason is the very simple gas-cleaning train (only a cyclone and a hot filter) which can be employed when using this type of a gasifier in conjunction with small engines.

A disadvantage of cross-draught gasifiers is their minimal tar-converting capabilities and the consequent need for high quality (low volatile content) charcoal. It is because of the uncertainty of charcoal quality that a number of charcoal gasifiers employ the downdraught principle, in order to maintain at least a minimal tar-cracking capability.