The best smoker grill combos on the market today are the perfect solution for those anyone who loves to cook outdoors. They offer the convenience of a grill for quick and easy cooking, as well as the ability to smoke meats and vegetables for a unique and delicious flavor.
With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to find the right grill and smoker combo that meets your needs.
When choosing a grill and smoker combo, it’s essential to consider the size of the cooking area, the type of fuel it uses, and the overall construction quality.
The size of the cooking area is crucial because it determines how much food you can cook at once. The type of fuel it uses is also important because it affects the flavor of your food, as well as the convenience of use.
The construction quality is essential because it determines how long the grill and smoker combo will last.
We spent countless hours researching and testing eight grill and smoker combos to identify the ones that offer the best combination of convenience, flavor, and durability.
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Our 8 Top Picks
Best Grill/Smoker Combos
If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor cooking experience, a grill/smoker combo is the way to go. These versatile appliances allow you to grill up your favorite meats and vegetables while also smoking them to perfection. To help you find the best grill/smoker combo for your needs, we’ve put together a list of our top picks based on features, performance, and customer reviews.
*Our Top Pick*
Z GRILLS 700 Series Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker – Read our full review
If you want an affordable grill and smoker combo that offers consistent results and easy temperature control, the Z GRILLS 700 Series is a great choice.
Pros
- Ultimate 8-in-1 functionality for grilling, smoking, baking, roasting, braising, searing, char-grilling, and barbecuing
- PID technology ensures consistent temperature throughout cooking for reliable results every time
- Large-capacity pellet hopper holds up to 15 lbs of pellets for longer cooking times
Cons
- Some users have reported difficulty achieving high temperatures for grilling
- Assembly can be time-consuming and requires some technical knowledge
- Not suitable for larger families or large gatherings due to its smaller cooking space
The Z GRILLS 700 Series is a versatile grill and smoker combo that offers great value for its price. With its 8-in-1 functionality and consistent temperature control, it’s perfect for smaller households looking to infuse big flavors into their food. However, it may not be the best choice for larger families or those who need a larger cooking space. Assembly can also be a bit of a challenge, so make sure you have some technical know-how before attempting to put it together.
That being said, the Z GRILLS ZPG-450A is a reliable and affordable option for those who want to enjoy wood-fired flavors without breaking the bank.
Royal Gourmet CC2036F Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
If you’re looking for an affordable and spacious grill/smoker combo that can cater to large events, the Royal Gourmet CC2036F is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- With 668 sq. in. cooking grates, 260 sq. in. warming rack, and 272 sq. in. offset smoker, this grill provides tremendous cooking space for 8-10 people.
- The offset smoker is firmly attached to the main body for good circulation of heat and smoke, and it can also provide additional grilling or smoking cooking space for small side dishes.
- The adjustable charcoal pan with 3-level height creates better heat control and energy efficiency, and it can hold up to 3.5kg/7.7 lb. of coal which is enough for large events.
Cons
- The side charcoal door is convenient for tending to the charcoal, but it can be difficult to access if the smoker is full.
- The removable grease drip cup and charcoal pan help with cleanup, but they can be a bit messy to handle.
- After one time using the smoke box, the paint started peeling off the grill. The assembly was not too bad, but the directions were a little vague.
The Royal Gourmet CC2036F is a solid choice for those who need a large cooking space without breaking the bank. It’s easy to use and maintain, and the adjustable charcoal pan is a nice touch for better heat control. However, the side charcoal door can be a bit tricky to use, and the cleanup process can be a bit messy. Overall, if you’re looking for a grill/smoker combo that can cater to large events, this is definitely worth checking out.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 XL
A must-have for any serious griller and smoker, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 XL is a versatile and reliable product that delivers top-notch results every time.
Pros
- Reaches high temperatures quickly and maintains precise temperature control with the DigitalFan
- Large cooking space with 1050 square inches of total area
- Foldable shelves and cord storage make it easy to store and transport
Cons
- Assembly can be time-consuming and challenging
- Heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move around
- Expensive compared to other grill/smoker combos on the market
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 XL is a game-changer for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. With its ability to smoke, grill, sear, bake, and roast, this product offers endless possibilities for creating delicious meals. The DigitalFan ensures precise temperature control, while the large cooking space and foldable shelves provide ample room for preparing food.
However, assembly can be a bit of a challenge, and the product is heavy and expensive. Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line grill/smoker combo, the Masterbuilt Gravity Series 1050 XL is definitely worth considering.
Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty smoker and grill combo that’s perfect for outdoor cooking, the Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a great option. With its all-metal steel construction and ample cooking space, this smoker is built to last and can handle all your grilling needs.
Pros
- The offset smoker provides additional grilling or smoking space for small side dishes
- All parts are made of metal iron, which is thicker than others, more stable, and better at keeping warm
- The grilling rack is all wrapped with safe enamel material, which is acid-proof and high-temperature resistant, making it safer to use
Cons
- Assembly can be a bit tricky and time-consuming
- The smoker box is a bit small, so it may not be ideal for larger cuts of meat
- The paint may chip over time with frequent use
If you’re looking for a smoker and grill combo that’s built to last and provides ample cooking space, the Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a great choice. The offset smoker is a great feature that allows you to smoke or grill small side dishes, while the all-metal steel construction ensures that the smoker is stable and durable.
The safe enamel grilling rack is another great feature that ensures the food’s original flavor is maintained and that it’s safe to eat.
However, assembly can be a bit tricky, and the smoker box is a bit small, so it may not be ideal for larger cuts of meat.
Additionally, the paint may chip over time with frequent use. Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable smoker and grill combo, the Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker is a great option.
Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo
A versatile and powerful grill/smoker combo that is perfect for those who want to smoke, grill, sear, bake, and roast their food with charcoal. Highly recommended for those who want to experience the power of GravityFed charcoal grilling.
Pros
- Reaches high temperatures quickly, allowing you to start cooking in no time
- Comes with a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates, providing a total cooking area of 800 square inches
- DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations and maintains temperature, ensuring consistent cooking results
Cons
- Assembly can take some time and effort
- Charcoal hopper needs to be refilled periodically during long cooking sessions
- Some users have reported issues with the temperature control system
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 800 Digital Charcoal Griddle, Grill and Smoker Combo is a versatile and powerful grill/smoker combo that is perfect for those who want to experience the power of GravityFed charcoal grilling. With its fast heating times, large cooking area, and precise temperature control, this grill/smoker combo is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook with charcoal.
One of the standout features of this grill/smoker combo is its ability to reach high temperatures quickly. With the ability to reach 225 F in 8 minutes, 450 F in 10 minutes, or 700 degrees Fahrenheit in 14 minutes, you can start cooking in no time. Additionally, the grill/smoker combo comes with a flat top griddle insert and cast iron grill grates, providing a total cooking area of 800 square inches.
The DigitalFan minimizes heat fluctuations and maintains temperature, ensuring consistent cooking results every time. You can control temperature and cook time with the digital control panel or with smart device control using WiFi or Bluetooth. The built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer make it easy to achieve perfect results every time.
While assembly can take some time and effort, the end result is a sturdy and reliable grill/smoker combo that is built to last. The charcoal hopper needs to be refilled periodically during long cooking sessions, but this is a minor inconvenience compared to the benefits of cooking with charcoal. Some users have reported issues with the temperature control system, but these seem to be isolated incidents.
*Best Kamado-style grill / Ceramic grill / All around combo grill
Kamado Joe Classic II Ceramic Charcoal Grill
Although this power horse is a bit on the expensive side, it’s probably the most versatile smoker grill combo you can get, so it still packs really good value for the money. You won’t need to buy another grill to use alongside this one.
It’s multi-level, half-moon design allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures, at the same time. It has an air-tight seal, a latch that locks in heat and smoke, and a temperature control top vent to keep the temp precise at all times.
What it can do:
- Grilling
- Low and slow smoking
- Pizza oven
- Baking & roasting
Top Features:
- The Kamado Joe ceramic charcoal smoker grill combo has an 18″ cooking area, split between two staggered grill grates.
- Using a built-in temperature gauge, you can monitor the temperature of the ceramic smoker grill while it is grilling or smoking. Durable case constructed of powder-coated cast aluminium.
- It can be moved around if necessary by unlocking the four wheels on the bottom of the stand.
- The grill lid is super light. The patented Air Lift Hinge means you can open the grill dome with a single finger.
*Best budget charcoal grill
Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830
If what you really want is that unique charcoal grill flavor, we recommend the Char-Griller E1224. It’s a traditional charcoal grill with a side fire box. The joy of the side fire box is that you can grill your food on the main grill and cook a side dish, like corn on the cob, in the box at the same time, at two different temperatures.
What it can do:
- Grilling
- Smoking
Top Features:
- Heavy-gauge powder-coated steel construction with nonstick cast-iron cooking grates for even heating.
- It’s on 2 wheels with 2 fixed legs, so it’s easy to pick up by the handle and move, for easy transport
- It has 580 square inches of main cooking surface and a 250 square-inch side fire box for either charcoal cooking or smoking, for a total cooking area of 830 square inches.
- An adjustable fire grate and heat gauge in the hood give good heat control. You can move the fire grate up and down as needed, and keep food warm on the available warming grate.
- Slide-out coal drawers enable cooks to add charcoal while cooking without removing grill grates and dump residual ash easily.
- Char-Griller has several accessories available for separate purchase, including a warming shelf, rotisserie kit, and propane igniter.
*Best high-end grill with wifi capabilities
Traeger Pro Series 575 Grill
This has always been our favorite of the grill smoker combos. Everyone in my family has one and they’ve lasted for many many years with no issues. You can do everything with this grill and it’s very reliable.
The Series 575 has WiFIRE technology that connects your grill to your home WiFi, so you can use the Traeger app (and Alexa, if you have one) to control the grill from anywhere.
What it can do:
- Grilling
- Low and slow cooking
- Baking & Roasting
- Braising
- BBQ
Top Features:
- Change temperatures, set timers and monitor your food anywhere at any time with the Traeger App and the WiFIRE enabled controller.
- Traeger Grills are fuelled by 100% all-natural hardwood pellets that infuse amazing wood-fired flavor into everything you cook.
- Pellets are automatically fed into the machine so it’s very low maintenance.
- There are two racks, both porcelain coated grates for easy cleaning, so you can cook quite a bit at the same time – one on direct heat and one on indirect.
- Rugged all-terrain wheels on one side and fixed legs on the other. It’s a heavy grill that’s not super portable, but you can wheel it around the yard to deck easily.
Buying Guide
Factors to Consider
When choosing the best grill/smoker combo, there are several factors to consider:
- Cooking Space: The cooking space is an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to cook for a large group of people. Look for a grill/smoker combo that has enough cooking space to accommodate your needs.
- Fuel Type: Grill/smoker combos can be fueled by charcoal, gas, or electricity. Choose a fuel type that best suits your needs and preferences.
- Temperature Control: Temperature control is important when smoking and grilling. Look for a grill/smoker combo that has a built-in thermometer or temperature control system.
- Construction: The construction of the grill/smoker combo is important for durability and longevity. Look for a combo made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.
Features to Look For
Here are some features to look for when choosing the best grill/smoker combo:
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Side Burner | A side burner is a great feature to have for cooking side dishes or sauces. |
Warming Rack | A warming rack is a great feature to have for keeping food warm while you finish cooking other items. |
Ash Pan | An ash pan is a convenient feature to have for easy cleanup after cooking. |
Grill Grates | Look for grill grates made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or cast iron for durability and even cooking. |
Smoker Box | A smoker box is a great feature to have for adding smoke flavor to your food. |
By considering these factors and looking for these features, you can find the best grill/smoker combo to meet your needs and preferences.
What to Consider When Buying a Smoker Grill Combo
To choose the best smoker grill combo for your needs, you should consider the size, type of cooker, what it’s made of, cooking surface design, can it be used simultaneously, and other extra features, as we’ve explained below.
Size & Portability
In an outdoor setting with limited space, size is an important consideration. Smokers come in all sizes so you might need to choose one based on the dimensions of the space you have. Since you won’t have to use two different grills, this can be a bonus for small spaces.
Some grills are very wide, particularly ones with a full smoker and grill that can be used simultaneously. Some are quite slim and don’t take up much room at all. It’s a good idea to measure all the parts to be sure they’ll fit your circumstances.
Portable smoker grills typically offer a 150-square-inch cooking surface and full-size smoker grills offer up to 800 square inches of cooking surface. Cooking surfaces that are at least 600 square inches will suit you if you’re cooking for 8+ people at a time.
- Portable smoker grill combos have handles so they’re easy to lift and pack, making them a great choice for taking camping or to tailgate parties.
- If you don’t intend to grill during the winter, a lightweight smoker grill with wheels will be much easier to stow away.
Type of Cooker
There are many different types of grill smoker combos available and they don’t all do the same thing. Below is a breakdown of the types of combos that are available so you can determine which suits you.
Kamado Grills
These grills – also known as ceramic grills and egg cookers – require a bit longer to heat up, but will hold and transmit heat longer than a standard steel grill. The narrow egg shape reduces airflow on the food, so steaks stay moist during cooking.
Pellet smokers
Pellet Smokers use compressed flavored wood pellets instead of charcoal or gas for the ultimate in set-it-and-forget-it smoking. A gravity-fed hopper loads the wood pellets, while a digitally controlled auger controls the temperature.
Gravity-fed smokers
You can use pellets or charcoal with gravity-fed smokers, and the pellets or charcoal are added automatically when you need more fuel. By filling the hopper with pellets or charcoal, the smoker needs not be refilled repeatedly.
Drum smokers
Drum smokers resemble oil drums and are available as horizontal or vertical units. A vertical drum smoker tends to have several grates at varying heights, while a horizontal drum smoker allows users to simultaneously grill and smoke.
Charcoal grills
A charcoal grill produces heat and smoke by burning charcoal. Despite producing more smoke than pellet grills, these are usually the most popular because they are more affordable than gas grills.
Gas grills
Natural gas or liquid propane creates a heat that is both low and slow for cooking, as well as one that is fast and hot. For convenience, these boilers are typically equipped with an ignition switch, and the gas can be gradually increased or decreased for adjusting the temperature as required.
What It’s Made Of
Smoker grill combos come in a variety of different materials, such as stainless steel, powder-coated steel, and ceramic. While all of them have their pros, you might be interested in specific material, so do that that into consideration.
- For grill exteriors, stainless steel is usually the best option due to its durability. It’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and resistant to water, UV radiation, and impact damage.
- Powder-coated steel is more durable and resistant to corrosion and rust than stainless steel. It is therefore suitable for outdoor spaces that are not sheltered.
- It is best to use ceramic grills in humid and rainy areas because they are not prone to rust. Additionally, ceramics heat up and cool down slowly, making them ideal for long, slow cooking. It is important to take due care when handling ceramic since it’s fragile and easy to chip.
Cooking Surface Design
The best part about a smoker grill combo is that some have multiple tiers of cooking surfaces making it possible to smoke and grill at the same time – typically a large horizontal smoker drum with a small grill on the side, or there could be multiple racks within the same element, like with the Kamado Joe cooker.
The size of the cooking surface will impact the amount of food you can prepare at one time. If you often need to cook a large amount, make sure it will all fit on the surface of the grill you’re considering, otherwise it might not be a good choice.
Temperature Range and Control
There are different ways to regulate the temperature of a smoker grill combo, depending on its type. Gas grills feature simple dials to regulate gas flow and heat, while charcoal smoker grills rely on adjustable vents or dampers to adjust air flow so a smoky flavor is obtained.
Pellet grills that utilize gravity-fed pellets have an automatic feed that ensures the temperature remains constant based on the settings in the digital control. Gas grill temperatures can get as high as or exceed 500 degrees Fahrenheit, while smokers are usually between 100 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoker grills must be able to produce temperatures for both cooking techniques in one appliance, so their minimum temperatures are higher than smokers and their maximum temperatures are lower than grills.
Portability
Normally smoker grills weigh between 20 and 200 pounds. Even if it means sacrificing the size of the cooking surface, those who plan to store or carry their appliance may benefit from a more lightweight model. Rather than downsizing, there are other ways to maximize portability.
Most smoker grills have wheels on one side and feet on the other or wheels at the base of each leg that can be locked in place while the smoker grill is in use. Even a large combination smoker grill can be moved around the patio easily if it has wheels and one or more handles.
Extra Features
There are some bells and whistles in smoker grill combos that are worth considering.
- Temperature Gauges – From simple analog dials to digital displays, the range of temperature gauges is extensive. It is important to have a temperature gauge if you are grilling, but they are also vital if you are smoking over several hours.
- Meat probe thermometer – This helps you measure the internal temperature of steaks, roasts, and other meats to ensure you’re cooking food to the correct temperature. It’s not necessary, but nice to have.
- Remote temperature monitoring is another feature worth considering. The app connects to the smoker grill via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and enables you to sit back and monitor the progress from afar.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a grill/smoker combo and can’t make a decision, we hope this guide has been useful for you. There are a lot of options available and many of them work really well, but we definitely think you can’t go wrong with one of the four listed above.
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Laura is a passionate home cook and grill enthusiast who has spent years perfecting her culinary skills, with a particular focus on grilling techniques and flavor combinations. Her fascination with the grill, smoke, and the mouthwatering results they produce has led her on an exciting journey to discover the best methods for grilling delicious and unforgettable meals.