When it comes to an old-fashioned backyard barbecue, smoking and grilling are both classic crowd-pleasers. In a perfect world, you’d want to have a separate dedicated smoker and grill for each task.
However, not everyone has space or money for two units, especially when a smoker grill combo gives you the best of both worlds. Plus, it allows you the flexibility to choose your cooking style at a moment’s notice, perfect for those last-minute parties.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best smoker grill combos on the market. While you can spend money and time converting your existing equipment into a smoker grill combo, we think that a pre-designed unit is much easier and frankly, requires a lot less effort on your part.
To get you started, we’ve broken down our selections into charcoal, gas, and pellet smoker grill combos so you can easily see a wide range of various options.
Table of Contents
Best Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo: Classic Pit Barrel Cooker
When it comes to smoking and grilling meat, the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker has the competition beat. It’s the perfect blend of price, form, and function and is easily our top choice for the best all-around combo grill. This ultra-portable smoker grill has an impressive capacity and can hold up to 8 racks of ribs packed with flavor.
The rod and rack system allows for crispy skin on the outside with an amazing juicy interior. Even better, it isn’t packed with delicate electronic or fancy control panels but can easily maintain low temperatures for that perfect backyard feast.
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Best Propane Grill Smoker Combo: Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill
With an internal smoker box and up to 18,000 BTUs of adjustable heat, The Big Easy is a low-cost, yet high-powered option. This infrared propane smoker grill boasts an impressive 180 square inches of grilling area and relies on a unique hanging rack for even larger cookouts.
With a 25 pound capacity, easy-to-clean internals, and low maintenance design, it’s certain to be a backyard staple. Overall, it is the best entry-level smoker grill combo on our list and has the features and power to go toe to toe with the big guys.
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Best Pellet Smoker Grill Combo: REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill
Simply put, the REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill is the perfect automatic grilling solution. With an integrated digital PID temperature controller, precision release pellet auger, and a 10 gauge porcelain enamel finished steel body, it is simply top of the line.
Whether you want an internal temperature of 180 degrees for all-day cooking or a blistering 500-degree sear, this baby has got you covered. With internal lighting, high-end materials, and the ability to reliably control the temperature to within 5 degrees, this is the ultimate smoker grill combo and is built to last a lifetime.
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Smoker and Grill Combo Reviews:
An entry-level smoker grill combo is perfect for those just starting to barbecue or old hands looking to try something new. They come with budget-friendly price tags and are loaded with great features. Plus, we’ve hand-picked our top choices to ensure reliability, durability, and longevity for a truly awesome experience.
1 – Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster & Grill
- Total Cooking Surface: 180 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Propane
- Weight: 58 lbs.
Whether you want to smoke, grill or roast, The Big Easy has you covered. This combo grill features an internal smoker box and a fully enclosed propane burner for up to 18,000 BTUs of adjustable heat. It also doesn’t require charcoal or oil making it super easy to clean and maintain.
Assembly is a breeze and can be complete in half an hour or less. Plus, once you’ve added a handful of wood chips or pellets, this combo grill will be pumping out flavorful smoke in under 12 minutes. The unique Infrared technology eliminates the need for air dampers and water pans which makes for delicious, low effort cooking.
The included double stack roasting basket can hold up to 25 pounds of meat, more than enough for even the largest of family gatherings. Even more, The Big Easy heats up very quickly and the special heating method makes burning meat a thing of the past.
You’ll want to have an external thermometer on hand during cooking though. This grill smoker cooks food surprisingly fast and it’s easy to get caught off guard the first couple of times. Just keep an eye on the temperature of your meat and you’ll be having the best brisket you’ve ever tasted in no time.
Overall, a Char-Broil The Big Easy offers superb value and convenience in a single package. With incredible performance, a low price tag, and an easy-to-use design, we’ve rated this the best entry-level smoker grill combo on the market. If you just starting your BBQ journey or are looking to branch out, this is a great choice that won’t break the bank.
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2 – Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro 830 Square Inch Charcoal Grill with Side Fire Box
- Total Cooking Surface: 830 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Charcoal
- Weight: 113 lbs.
The Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro is a traditional charcoal grill with an integrated 250 sq in. side firebox. It’s made from heavy-duty steel and comes standard with an adjustable cast iron cooking grate, perfect for searing meats to lock in flavor. You’ll also find it has a double-thick bottom to prevent rusting and increase the smoker grills overall durability.
For storage, it comes with two exterior shelves and an underbody rack. These are great for placing sauces, grilling accessories, and heavy bags of charcoal. Inside you’ll find the main grill is tall enough to cook a beer can chicken and big enough to cook 4-5 racks of ribs at a time.
The Char-Griller 1224 Smokin Pro also features removable charcoal drawers which makes adding charcoal and dumping ashes a piece of cake. You’ll also find two large wheels located on one end that allow for quick and easy transport.
The airtight flanged hood and adjustable dampers help to optimize heat convection and circulation for even and efficient grilling. For enhanced flavors, you can add wood chips to smoke and grill at the same time.
You’ll be please with how easily this smoker grill combo maintains the temperature and also with the great airflow. However, many owners have mentioned the built-in temperature gauge is inaccurate.
As such, we’d recommend you replace it with a Maverick XR-50 for a more reliable reading. You may also want to seal all the internal seams with LavaLock Smoker Seal to help lock in all that delicious flavor and keep a more stable cooking temperature.
Overall, this is an excellent low-cost smoker grill combo and is perfect for large BBQs. While it may require a bit of tinkering to get just right, the results are well worth the effort. If you want that traditional grilling experience with the added versatility of a smoker, the Char-Griller 224 Smokin Pro is the way to go.
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Tip: Season your cast iron grill grates by rubbing them with oil and sticking them in the oven for a few hours. This will help prevent rust and keep them looking like new.
3 – Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker
- Total Cooking Surface: 430 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Charcoal, Wood
- Weight: 46.5 lbs.
The Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker is a versatile smoker grill combo for beginning BBQ’ers and those who are on a shoestring budget. As an entry-level unit it won’t be made with top-of-the-line materials or have incredible features but with a bit of work, will produce absolutely delicious results.
Made from rather thin steel you’ll want to grab a cover to prevent exterior rusting and degradation. Plus, we’d recommend you line the bottom with heavy-duty aluminum foil for an extended lifespan. It does have a rather nice porcelain coated grill grate which prevents the meat from sticking and greatly reduces carbon buildup.
Assembly is quite easy and should only take around 45 minutes to complete. Afterward, you should season it by rubbing it down with vegetable oil and lighting a fire for several hours inside the unit. This will help seal it and prevent future damage.
This smoker grill combo comes with a built-in chamber temperature gauge for quick reading. It also has an easy access ash damper and a small side table for added convenience. When coupled with the adjustable top chimney vent, it can maintain temperature quite well, but you’ll need to keep an eye on it more often than higher-end models.
Overall the Char-Broil American Gourmet Offset Smoker is an extremely low-priced and user-friendly option. While it isn’t very large and probably won’t last a lifetime, with a bit of care you should get a few good years out of it before upgrading to a more robust model.
Mid-Range Budget Smoker Grill Combos
A step up from our entry-level options, these mid ranges smoker grill combos offer superior performance and higher quality materials.
Not only that, but they are large enough to feed even the biggest crowds with room to spare. If you’re hunting for something with a bit more power, size, and features, these might be just what you’re after.
1 – Classic Pit Barrel Cooker
- Total Cooking Surface: 346 sq. in., 8 Hanging Hooks
- Main Fuel: Charcoal
- Weight: 57 lbs.
Tired of struggling with a traditional offset smoker? The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker will solve all your problems and bring joy back to grilling and smoking. This phenomenal smoker is simple to use and produces reliably consistent results every time. Even better, it doubles as a grill in a pinch for those last-minute gatherings and unexpected parties.
With the included eight hanging hooks, two heavy-duty rods, a standard grill grate, and a charcoal basket, this has everything you need for a perfect BBQ right out of the box. From unboxing to starting your first rack of ribs should take you a matter of minutes.
The Classic Pit Barrel Cooker also has an incredible capacity. You can fit up to 8 racks of ribs or two huge chickens inside its belly with a bit of room to spare. If you routinely cook for large groups this is a perfectly sized unit and can handle immense loads. Plus, it has a large charcoal basket for extended use.
When it comes to smoking, this thing is an absolute beast. Its unique hanging cooking method results in perfectly crisp skins and ultra-moist interiors. Plus, due to the design of the barrel, it maintains a natural internal moisture level without the need for a water pan. Simply put, this is the ultimate in set it and forget it cookers.
It easily keeps a low and consistent heat inside the unit for the duration of your smoke. If by chance you want to slightly adjust the temperature, it has a handy bottom vent specifically designed for micro-adjustments. When coupled with the four airflow exit holes it’s super easy to get perfectly cooked meat every time.
This smoker grill combo is also extremely easy to transport. All of the accessories fit inside the barrel and at 57 pounds it is light enough for a single person to lift it into a vehicle. We do recommend you grab an electronic probe-type thermometer like the Maverick XR-50. This way you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the divine smells coming from the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker.
In our opinion, the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker is the best smoker grill combo hands down. It has the features, price, and consistent results to rank at the top of our list. Plus, with the wealth of available online information, it’s easy to learn the proper techniques and end up with incredible tasting food. If you’re a bit undecided as to which model you really want, you won’t regret buying this unit one bit.
Related: Tired of your cookouts being ruined by a little rain or the heat? Take a look at a Grill Gazebo for some added outdoor protection.
2 – Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Gas Smoker Combo
- Total Cooking Surface: 1060 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Charcoal, Propane
- Weight: 205 lbs.
The Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Gas Smoker Combo is built like a tank and will last a lifetime. With a heavy-gauge steel construction and ultra-durable components, it can handle even the roughest of crowds.
Plus, like a gas grill smoker combo, this unit has dual zones dedicated for both charcoal and propane as well as a smoker box for the ultimate in grilling flexibility.
Assembly is fairly straightforward but will take a few hours of hard work. This is mostly due to the sheer weight and size of the unit. We’d recommend you get a couple of friends over to help you move the pieces and place the grill in its final position. Users have noted that the wheels aren’t quite up to the task of transporting this beast and are a bit wobbly at best.
Once you fire this bad boy up, you’re met with triple 12,000 BTU burners in the main chamber and a secondary 12,000 BTU burner that functions as a charcoal starter. With such high heat, you can quickly and easily grill a few sausages for the big game while you go low and slow on the other side.
If you live in a fairly humid environment the Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s thick exterior will help resist rust and give it a much longer outdoor life than a cheaper alternative. We’d also recommend you grab the Oklahoma Joe’s Longhorn Outdoor Grill Combo Cover for extra protection. After all, if your spending this much on a grill you might as well protect your investment for a few dollars more.
This smoker combo grill also features triple temperature gauges, multiple dampers, and heat-resistant handles for a comfortable and efficient backyard BBQ. For easy cleanup, we’d suggest using a disposable aluminum roasting pan in the bottom to hold the coals. The pan can quickly be replaced and you’ll be ready to grill again in no time.
Overall, the Char-Broil Oklahoma Joe’s Charcoal Gas Smoker Combo offers the user total control of their grilling experience. Whether you want a smoked brisket, charcoal-grilled vegetable, or a quick hamburger, this grill has got you covered. Plus, with such a robust build it can withstand hail storms, wind gusts, and nearly any natural event, while still coming out unscathed and ready for more.
High-End & Luxury Smoker Grill Combos
For the ultimate in Smoker Grill Combo units, you’ll want a high-end product with the features to match. These stunning grills offer the best technology has to offer and are made from top-quality materials that are unsurpassed by inferior units. While they may be a bit pricey for your average Joe. If you expect perfection, they are worth every penny.
1 – REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill
- Total Cooking Surface: 702 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Compressed Wood Pellets, Electricity
- Weight: 250 lbs.
The REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill is easily our number one pick for the best High End Smoker Grill Combo. It makes all others pale in comparison to it. With an integrated digital PID temperature controller, precision release pellet auger, and a 10 gauge porcelain enamel finished steel body, the REC TEC is simply top of the line.
This is a true high-end set it and forget it smoker. The automatically controlled fan can maintain a set temperature to within 5 degrees. Meanwhile, the massive 40-pound hopper will let you keep smoking for days on end. This grill is perfect for chatting with guests and have some time to relax as your 16 racks of ribs cook to smokey perfection.
Whether you want to grill, smoke, sear, or bake, the REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill has got you covered. With the updated controller it can smoke low and slow at 180 degrees or ramp up to a blistering 500 degrees for an incredible sear. Even more, with the digital control panel, it’s as simple as pushing a button and you’ll be in BBQ heaven before you know it.
Flavor-wise, anything that comes out of this combo grill will be delicious. The pellet hopper has a built-in divider for added options such as mixing hickory and apple pellets for a truly unique flavor profile. Plus, the unit is fully sealed so all that incredibly smoke stays in your food and not in the air.
The REC TEC smoker also features a handy internal light for those evening BBQ parties. It also functions perfectly in the winter or in the summer, just punch in your temperature and let it do the hard work for you. Storage-wise, it comes with a beefy bottom shelf for pellets, accessories, and more. You’ll also be impressed with the sheer quality and weight of each of the components. No expense was spared in the design of this grill and it clearly shows.
When it comes to reliability, this is again king of the castle. The ceramic igniter is designed for years of extended use, and unlike a traditional igniter, is not prone to failure. Assembly is also fairly straightforward and while a bit longer is well worth the effort.
From the excellent smoke rings to the incredible flavors, this is the absolute top of its class. Fresh baked pizza and mouth-watering brisket can be cooked to perfection with zero effort and minimal cleanup. If you truly want the best that a smoker grill combo has to offer, there is no better choice than the REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill.
#2: PK 360 Grill & Smoker
- Total Cooking Surface: 352 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Charcoal
- Weight: 90 lbs.
The PK 360 Grill & Smoker is a beautifully engineered piece of cooking equipment and made from the highest quality cast aluminum. The material choices make this unit totally rust resistant and extremely heavy duty. Even better the main grill body detaches from the base making this one of the few portable smoker grill combos out there.
The PK 360 is very well sealed and the dual radial vents with adjustable air intakes make maintaining temperature a breeze. It also has the ability to go from 180 degrees to over 700. You can smoke, grill or sear nearly anything with such a large range. Plus, you can make small adjustments on the fly to get that perfectly cooked piece of meat every time.
Due to the unique capsule design, you’ll be able to utilize two distinct cooking zones. This is great for searing a steak on one side, while slowly cooking a chicken on the other. Not only that, but it allows for precise temperature control and helps to make your life a lot easier.
On the outside, this smoker grill combo has two large detachable exterior shelves. These are great places to store spices, rubs, and plates and offer a lot of versatility. Plus, they are ringed by a super useful stainless steel rod. You can use the rod to hang cooking utensils, towels, and more for easy, yet out of the way, access.
Another great feature is the ability to totally block airflow to the unit. After your done cooking you’ll usually have a few coals left that didn’t quite burn out. Most folks would simply wait for them to die down and throw out the ash. With the PK 360 however, you can close all the airports to quickly extinguish any leftover charcoal and save it for your next BBQ.
One of the very few downsides of this unit is cleaning out the residual ash can be quite difficult. Thankfully PK Grills has come out with a Heavy Duty Charcoal Basket that catches all the ashes and makes cleanup much simpler.
Overall, this is a great-looking, high-quality combo grill that will easily stand the test of time. With its full rust-proof body, ample cooking and storage space as well as unique air venting system, the PK 360 Grill & Smoker makes for a superb high-end choice and will produce some of the most delicious food you’ve ever eaten.
#3: Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
- Total Cooking Surface: 646 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Compressed Wood Pellets, Electricity
- Weight: 125 lbs.
As the original wood-pellet grill manufacturer, Traeger Grills has a surplus of industry experience. This can clearly be seen on the incredible Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker Combo. It offers an automatic smoking solution with a unique pellet-fed design for easy, hands-off cooking.
The built-in digital controller can easily maintain a set temperature to within twenty degrees. It does this by carefully adjusting the fan and auger speed for the ideal fuel-to-air ratio. During the winter you may want to pick up the accompanying insulation blanket to save on wood pellets and get a more consistent flavor.
The Traeger Texas Elite Smoker Grill Combo also has an extremely robust electronic auto-start ignition. Unlike traditional piezoelectric igniters, the built-in flame rod offers superior performance and is very unlikely to fail. This is due to its simple design and durable construction.
Inside the grill, you’ll find a wonderful non-stick porcelain grill grate. This grate is perfect for distributing heat and makes clean up a snap. Unlike traditional bare grill grates, you won’t have to worry about metal shavings in your food or a hefty dose of iron. Furthermore, the unit has thick wheels and locking casters that make maneuvering and re-positioning the Texas Elite 34 as simple as a single push.
On the left side of the unit, you’ll find the large-capacity wood pellet hopper. With the ability to hold up to 18 pounds of pellets you’ll be able to smoke and grill even the largest of briskets with ease. Even more, you won’t have to worry about constantly keeping it full since the built-in auger easily transports the smallest of pellets to the main grill belly.
Overall, this is an excellent high-end grill and is suitable for nearly all grilling, smoking, and baking applications. While it isn’t quite as good as the REC TEC Wood Pellet Grill, the Traeger Grills Texas Elite 34 Wood Pellet Grill certainly holds its own and has a host of available accessories that give it added functionality and usefulness.
#4: Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill with Sear Box
- Total Cooking Surface: 570 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Compressed Wood Pellets, Propane, Electricity
- Weight: 170 lbs.
Have you ever wanted to nap while your BBQ was cooking? If so the Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill may be the answer to your prayers. If offers the same automatic temperature-controlled environment as the Texas Elite 34 but at a greatly reduced price.
The Woodwind Pellet Grill uses an efficient power auger to move compressed wood pellets over an electrical heating element. This enables the grill to quickly come up to temperature in only 5-10 minutes. Plus, the digital controller does all the work for you. Operating a pellet grill is almost as easy as an interior home oven.
If your somebody who constantly likes to play with the flavors and pellet mix this smoker grill combo unit has an easy pallet exchange. With the pull of a lever, you can discharge all the current pellets and quickly load in a new batch. Afterward, you can manually run the auger to get the system ready for your next BBQ.
However, the cooking potential of the Woodwind doesn’t stop there. It also offers a generously sized 11.5″x 16″propane searing area. The sear box can reach a scorching 900 degrees for that perfect crust. Never again will you have to worry about all the juices and flavors running out. Also, due to is separate design, you can use the sear box without running the main unit, perfect for a quick evening burger.
You’ll also find that this unit is equipped with a digital thermometer and meat probe. This lets the system recognize the internal grill temperature and make tiny adjustments to keep it as close to the desired range as possible. Meanwhile the meat probe lets you know down to a single degree as to when your BBQ is ready to be taken out.
Dual grease trays to help minimize buildup and greatly reduce cleaning time. They are located in both the main grill and in the sear box for complete grease protection. If you’ve ever had to clean out a messy and greasy grill you know just how important small features like this truly are.
In summary, the Camp Check Woodwind Pellet Grill is a great alternative to the more expensive Texas Elite 34 and offers all the same features at a reduced price. If you’re looking for a top-quality grill that is a little bit cheaper than the others, this makes for a wonderful backyard patio addition.
#5: Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 PS9900
- Total Cooking Surface: 374 sq. in.
- Main Fuel: Propane, Charcoal
- Weight: 218 lbs.
With the flexibility of either gas or charcoal grilling, the Smoke Hollow 4-in-1 PS9900 is a great example of a combo grill done right. It offers an incredibly hot searing box, heavy-duty charcoal grill, and lightning-quick propane burners to cover every possible BBQ scenario.
The only complaint we have with this unit is the rather thin sheet metal it’s constructed from. At this price point, you’d expect to see a bit higher-end materials or at least thicker ones. With such thin metal, you’ll definitely want to get the form-fitting Smoke Hollow XL Grill Cover for some much-needed added protection.
The Smoke Hollow PS9900 has a convenient pull-out charcoal tray that is quick to remove and easy to raise and lower. This allows you better temperature control and is much less of a hassle than some other models.
You’ll also find that this smoker grill combo has three interdependently controlled burners. Whether you want to light one, two, or three you can have each set at their own flame height for the perfect amount of heat. Plus, they are great for cooking different meats or vegetables at the same time.
Another cool feature is the porcelain-coated warming rack. This non-stick grill allows you to keep meats, vegetables, or anything else you need toasty warm while you’re waiting for your food or guests to be ready. Dual condiment racks also line the bottom of the frame and are perfect for sauces, rubs, and other grilling necessities.
We’d also like to take a moment to mention the sheer size of this unit. If you’ve got a large extended family or routinely have big backyard BBQ’s the Smoke Hollow PS9900 will have the cooking space you need for supersized briskets, multiple racks of ribs, and even whole chickens. Plus it’ll only take you around 1.5 hours to fully assemble which is pretty darn quick for such a robust and sizable smoker grill.
Overall, the Smoke Hollow PS9900 is a high-end propane grill, charcoal grill, smoker, and searing unit all in one. It has a ton of great features and will certainly make a mean brisket with a bit of practice. While it isn’t as hands-off as an automated pellet grill, sometimes the joy of opening the lid and checking on your BBQ is just part of the fun.
Smoker/Grill Combo: Buying Guide and F.A.Q.
A great smoker grill combo should obviously have the ability to both smoke and grill to perfection. However, we tend to see that most units are better at one or the other. However a select few, typically the more expensive units can cover the entire spectrum flawlessly.
Materials
Another thing to pay attention to is material choice and thicknesses. While most traditional grills and smokers are made from coated carbon steel, these will inevitably rust over time. Getting a form-fitting cover and routinely seasoning them will greatly improve their lifespan.
If you’re in a particularly humid area you might even want to consider upgrading to aluminum, stainless steel, or enamel-coated option for superior rust resistance. When the material choice is out of the picture, it’s a good idea to get as thick of a grill body as you can, 10 or 12 gauge metal is quite robust and even if it does rust, has enough metal to not be compromised for years.
Smoker/Grill Type
When it comes to combo grills, they come in all shapes and sizes. Each having its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation.
Charcoal Grill and Side Smoker
A classic option would be a charcoal grill with a side smoker box for flavored wood chips. This provides quick and easy BBQ and can range from low-end units with limited automation to fully automated rigs that adjust dampers and vents with an electronic control panel.
The only downside to these units is they are a bit of a pain to clean. You’ll want to get a disposable ash pan or even line it with tin foil to help reduce cleaning time.
Propane Grill and Smokers
Propane smoker units are also fairly common. These are typically better at grilling and decent at smoking due to the higher BTU ratings of propane.
However, they also have great temperature control at the twist of a knob and are very user-friendly. You’ll commonly find a smoker box attached to the side of these units to provide that delicious low heat smoke ring.
Pellet Grills
On the more expensive end, you’ll find the ultimate in hands-free operation with pellet grills. These high-cost units use smoker pellets, a powered auger, and a digitally controlled fan to maintain a stable temperature. They also have the added advantage of using flavored pellets for a quick way to add some additional flavor to your BBQ.
Another great benefit of these is their electric heating element. It doesn’t require propane nor does it need dirty charcoal. It runs and heats up solely through electricity for a fast warm-up and low maintenance.
Its only downside is the lack of high heat options. Typically these grills will only get up to 500 degrees. However, some have an added propane sear box to lock in flavors and juices without the need for a dedicated unit.
Hybrid Combo Grills
Last up you can have a hybrid of any one of these systems. These tend to fall in the medium and high-end ranges due to their unique features and larger cooking areas.
However, they provide the versatility of propane, the low temperature of charcoal, and that delicious smokey flavor in a single package. The only issue you’ll find with these is that while they have a large total cooking area. The individual cooking sections can get a bit cramped at times.
Overall, it’s your choice as to what’s best, but in our opinion, a classic charcoal grill with a side smoker is the way to go. You’ll not have to pay an excessive amount and they will produce amazingly good results.
Combo Grills Tips and Tricks
In this section, we’ll cover a few good-to-know tips and tricks so you have your smoker grill combo up and running in no time. We’ll also go over a few methods to keep that perfect cooking temperature as that is something a lot of new grill owners tend to struggle with. After all, we want you to enjoy your new purchase and not have it become a rust collector.
Charcoal Control – Minion Method
If you’re new to charcoal cooking you may or may not have heard of the minion method. This is great for amazing low and slow cooking where you want a temperature around 180-220 for an extended period of time. This method also has the added benefit of not needing constant babysitting and is perfect for overnight cooking.
The basic idea of the minion method is actually quite simple and easy to execute. You’ll want to get a full chimney of charcoal briquettes and place it in the charcoal pan. Afterward, add a few hot coals directly on top of them. What this will do is give you a fairly low temperature and as the top charcoal burns out, it’ll light the ones below it for that long-lasting heat. You should also open your bottom air vents to prevent the charcoal from going out.
This is an excellent method for that delicious fall apart meat and impressing friends and family alike.
Smoker Grill Combo Accessories
While most smoker grill combos come with quite a few internal and external features, there are still a few accessories you can grab to make your life much easier. We’ve detailed a few of our favorites below so you can easily see what’s out there.
Grill Gazebo
Have you ever wanted to grill or smoke, but the hot sun or pouring rain has put a damper on your plans? If so, a grill gazebo is an answer to your problems. It provides a great shaded and sheltered area for grilling in all weather conditions.
We’ve previously taken a look at some of the best grill gazebos around and we can assure you they work wonderfully. Plus, most are made from heat-resistant material and are perfect for placing over a grill for those days when you just need a little bit of extra protection.
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Electric Charcoal Starter
Unless you’re an experienced charcoal lighter, and even if you are, getting those briquettes to light up every time can sometimes be a challenge. Whether it’s the wind, rain, or simply old charcoal, nothing is worse than wanting to fire up the BBQ and not being able to get it to your charcoal to light.
That’s where a high-quality electric charcoal starter comes in handy. This new class of devices eliminates the old school charcoal chimney in favor of an ultra-fast electric heated blower.
With one of these, you’ll be able to light charcoal in half the time, every time. Plus, they are extremely portable and some even offer battery-powered options for those campground BBQ gatherings.
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Digital Thermometer
Last up on our list of combo grill accessories is a digital thermometer. Most grills these days come with at least some sort of chamber temperature gauge.
However on the lower end, and sometimes even higher-end models the temperature can be off by a large margin. A digital thermometer is extremely accurate and provides instant results in the palm of your hand. Our top pick, the ThermoPro TP-08 even has wireless capabilities so you can check the temperature of your grill and food from the comfort of your couch.
You’ll also want to be sure that your digital thermometer has at least two probes. These are what actually sense the temperature and do the hard work. Typically you’ll have one placed inside the grill and one inside your meat for true, total temperature data.
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Summary – So what’s the Best Smoker Grill Combo?
Overall, the choice of the best smoker grill combo depends greatly on your budget, skill, and desire to create mouthwatering BBQ. Any of our top choices would make for a great backyard addition or even a surprise gift. If we had to choose a winner, in general, we’d recommend the Classic Pit Barrel Cooker.
It offers superior smoker performance, has great grilling capabilities, and is offered in a portable and budget-friendly package. In the end though, whichever smoker grill combo you choose, you can rest assured that you’re well on your way to making some downright delicious BBQ.
What do you have available in a combination of a grill, smoker and possible burner top that
can be hooked up to an outside natural gas connection in an outdoor kitchen set up.