Are you tired of smoker not producing the results that you desire? Maybe this is your first time buying a smoker/grill combo. Maybe you are just replacing an old model.
Whatever the situation is, there is no denying that there are a number of reasons to purchase a smoker/grill combo. However, the overall results will depend on your final decision.
There really isn’t much better than some delicious barbecue on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This is especially true if you are the individual that took the time to prepare the meal. Planning, preparing, and cooking the meal right down to the very end is even more rewarding than one would imagine. This is not to say that it won’t come without a lot of work because it certainly will, but it will make you appreciate the meal even more in the end. That being said, the first challenge that you will encounter along the way is choosing the best bbq smoker combo.
There is simply no denying that there are tons of models available today. You couple this will all the features offered by any best pellet smoker and it will be more than easy to see how choosing the right grill can be more than challenging. Luckily, that is exactly why this guide was developed. It was designed to not only review some of the best models available today, but it will include a short and concise buying guide that will give you key features that you need to look for when shopping for the best charcoal grill smoker.
Best Smoker Grill Combos. Comparison table
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 02:00 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
When it comes to a pellet smoker that will take your cooking to the next level, you simply cannot overlook the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill. This little combo not only includes all the essential features of both a grill and smoker, but it includes new smart technology that will make the overall cooking process easier as well as more enjoyable. In fact, all you have to do it set it and forget about it. The automated electric feed system ensures that the grill maintains temperature ranges from 180 degrees to 450 degrees. However, the most amazing part is that you just have to simply set the temp on your desired setting and the smart digital controller will automatically keep the temp with more or less than 20 degrees. It really doesn’t get much easier or more convenient than that.
- 8-IN-1 GRILL&SMOKER - Offers more versatility to smoke, bake, roast, sear, braise, barbecue, and char-grill food with healthy wood pellet. Just set it and let it work. No babysitting the grill! Infuse your food with rich smoky flavor
- HUGE COOKING SPACE - 700 sq. in of grilling space that can accommodate 30 burgers, 6 rib racks, or 5 chickens effortlessly. Great for Home, party, and tailgating, easy to assemble and move
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 02:00 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Large Grilling Area With Hopper Capacity
For those individuals with a big family or the ones that like to host, grilling space will always be a concern. If you opt for a grill with less than minimal grill space, you will not only have unevenly cooked food items, but you will have some individual eating before others. Luckily, this won’t really be a problem with the Z Grills Combo thanks to its ultra-large cooking space. The grill boasts 513 squared inches of cooking space on the main rack alone. The warm rack features 187 squared inches and the hopper offer 20 pounds of capacity. This grill can handle 20 burgers, 5 chickens, or 6 racks of ribs at one time.
Fueled By Wood Pellets
One thing that also makes this combo unique is that it is fueled with wood pellets. This is somewhat similar to cooking on an open wood fire, but not exactly similar. In fact, the enclosed space coupled with the aroma from the wood pellets will always ensure that your food comes out with that savory wood-fire taste that you have come to love and desire over the years.
Pros
- Offers savory wood-fired infused tastes
- A huge cooking capacity
- Includes handy rolling wheels
- Smart technology does all the work and monitoring for you
Cons
- Not portable or lightweight
- Requires wood pellets for fuel
2. Cuisinart CPG-4000
With a name like Cuisinart, you best rest assured that this grill was designed to perform. In fact, with the unique cooking abilities of this grill, you can so so long to cooking with charcoal or gas again. In fact, after you taste the delicious infused flavors offered by this bad boy, you will probably not want to go back again. And, the taste is just only a part of what this grill has to offer. With this grill, you will never get bored or burnt out with one type of food because this grill has the ability to whip up six different types of foods. It can grill, it can smoke, it can bake, it can roast, it can braise, and it can even barbecue right down to the delicious, juicy perfection that you have come to enjoy and love over the years.
- Free weather resistant grill cover included in purchase. This cover is the perfect combination of durability and convenience.
- Product Dimensions: 39.4" L x 18.1" W x 22.8" H | Weight: 103.6 lb
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 02:00 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Large Cooking Space
The Cuisinart CPG-4000 might not offer as much cooking space at grill mentioned above, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t boast a rather large cooking area. In fact, it features 450 squared inches of cooking space that will give you the ability to cook up to 12 burgers, 2 whole chickens, and 3 racks of ribs. This might not be as much as the first grill on the list, but it is more than enough to suit an entire family. Heck, you could be away with feeding most small neighborhoods with this grill.
The Digital Elite Controller
With the Cuisinart CPG-4000, setting your temperature as well as controlling it will never be easier. All you have to do is simply just set the temperature to your desired setting and the grill will do the rest. The Digital Elite Controller will keep your grill’s temperature within at least plus or minus 20 degrees of the desired setting. The grill also features a variety of temperatures. You can slow cook your food or you can crank it all the way up to 450 degrees to get a hot and fast ready plate of food. Whatever the situation is, the LED display located on the front of the grill will ensure that your temperatures readings stay concise and visible at all times.
Pros
- Handy LED screen displays temperatures clearly
- Digital Elite Controller lets you control the cooking temps
- Large cooking space
- 2 portable wheels
Cons
- Not the best customer service
3. Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill
There is simply no denying that grills have gotten more technologically advanced over the years. Just look at all the smart technology monitors that simply allow you to set the temperature and walk away without worrying about it again. Well, the Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill takes it to an all-new level. The grill comes along with a digital Wi-Fi controller that allows you to completely monitor your food right from your Internet-capable device. And, this is not to even include everything else that the grill has to offer. It features a meat probe, a peaked lid for stand-up chicken, and a convenient tray with utensil hooks.
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Thermal Sensor
If you thought the Wi-Fi technology was impressive then you haven’t seen anything yet. This impressive little grill features what is known as a thermal sensor. This sensor will not only ensure that your food gets cooked properly, but it will constantly monitor the temperature of your food.
Runs On 12V Or 120AC
You have probably seen portable grills over the years. And, yes some models are more portable than others. This is especially true when it comes to any best charcoal grill smoker combo. The Green Mountain Grills Davy Crockett Pellet Grill might not be the most compact or lightest weight grill on the market, but it does feature unique options that make it more than suitable for tailgating and camping. And, this feature is its ability to run on 12 volts of 120 volts AC. You can literally run this grill on a battery. You simply don’t get more portable than that.
Pros
- Includes a unique thermal sensor
- Runs on 12 volts of 120 volts AC
- Designed for tailgating and camping
- Wi-Fi capabilities allow you to monitor the temp at all times
Cons
- Not the lightest weight or most compact grill
- Weighs 57 pounds, which isn’t the lightest in the world
4. Char-Griller E1224 Smokin Pro 830
When you first lay eyes on the Smokin Pro 830, you are probably going to think that this looks like one of the most basic grills out there. You are probably thinking, “ How could this possibly be one of the best grill/smoker combos available on the market?” Well, when you peel back the layers and look below the surface, you will see that this grill not only includes essential features for the everyday grilling enthusiast, but it really includes features that make it stand in a class of its own.
- CHARCOAL GRILL & OFFSET SMOKER - Charcoal Barbecue Grill & Smoker with Side Fire Box attachment perfect for high-heat grilling and low and slow Texas-style smoked barbecue
- MULTIPLE COOKING AREAS - Smoke a brisket on the 580 square inch primary cooking area and grill burgers and hot dogs on the 250 square inch Side Fire Box cooking area (830 square inches total)
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 02:00 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heavy-Gauge Powder-Coated Steel Construction
First, just look at the construction of this bad boy. It not only features a side firebox and grill barrel, but both of these components are constructed of heavy-gauge powder-coated steel. Steel alone is without a doubt one of the sturdiest materials available on the planet, but when you combine it with powder-coating, you get even twice the protection that you would normally get. This ensures that the grill will stay scratch and abrasion-free.
Temperature Gauge, Storage Rack, And 2 Wheels
Other notable features that must be mentioned are the temperature gauge, the storage rack, and the two wheels. The wheels will only make transportation easier. The grill isn’t the most compact thing in the world and the wheels will certainly come in more than handy when trying to maneuver the grill in and out of the back garage. And, this is not to even mention the other features. The temperature gauge will ensure that you can monitor and maintain the temp without even lifting the lid and letting out the heat. The storage rack will ensure that you always have more than enough room to store you cooked and prepped food.
Pros
- Side firebox with Texas-style barbecue
- Constructed with durable heavy-gauge powder-coated steel construction
- 580 square inches of a cooking surface along with 250 in the firebox
- Temperate gauge, 2 wheels, and extra storage grate
Cons
- Weighs 146 pounds
- Larger dimensions of 62 x 29 x 50 inches
5. Camp Chef SmokePro DLX
Whether you are looking to entertain the entire neighborhood or take your cooking game to the next level, you simply cannot go wrong with the Camp Chef SmokePro DLX. This grill is not only impressive in its own right, but it has a patented ash clean-out and grease management system that makes maintaining and cleaning the grill easier than ever. Since cleaning and maintaining your grill is one of the most important and time-consuming matters these features will without a doubt be two that are essential to saving you time.
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Higher Than Traditional Cooking Temps
When you are perusing the market for grills you will quickly notice that grills offer different temperature ranges. That being said, most traditional grills only offer anywhere from 160 to 450 degrees of cooking temperature. There is nothing wrong with this because it is more than enough to smoke, grill, or roast. Simply put, whatever you are looking to achieve cooking-wise, you can achieve it with most traditional grills. However, if you really want to shake things up opt for the Camp Chef SmokePro. This bad boy has the ability to produce temperatures of anywhere from 160 to 500 degrees. You combine this with the 25,000 BTU per hour and you are really cooking for some heat.
Built-In Shutdown Mode
Another pertinent feature that cannot be overlooked by any means is the built-in shutdown device. This is without a doubt a major plus because most models on the market only include this device as an aftermarket purchase. This means that you will have to buy the shutdown device additionally after already making the initial purchase of the grill. Luckily, this is not the case at all with the Camp Chef. The shutdown device comes built-in and it will automatically shut down the grill when errors or rises in temperature are detected. This will only keep you and your home safe, but it could prevent further damage to the grill in the event that something does go mechanically awry.
Pros
- Built-in shutdown mode
- Reaches higher than traditional temps
- 25,000 BTUs per hour
- Includes an internal meta monitor
Cons
- The gas tank is not included
- Not lightweight or portable
Smoker Grill Combos Buying Guide
It really doesn’t matter if you are shopping for a gaming system or a grill, there are going to be tons of things to consider. And, buying a grill/smoker combo is no different. This is why it is best to enter the process with as much information as possible. And, that is exactly what this guide is going to provide you with. It is going to give you information and tips that are essential when shopping for the perfect grill/combo.
The Fuel Source
When choosing your combo grill, you will without a doubt have to consider the fuel source that you want to use. Some individuals are partial to charcoal, whereas others just simply prefer the gas. Whatever the situation is and whatever materials you want to cook with, you must first understand that smokers are designed to produce a lot of smoke. This is how they heat and entrust your foods with flavor. Gas and wood are much better for this process because they possess qualities that are better suited for the smoking application. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t utilize charcoal models. If you are going to do so, you just want to make sure that you are doing so with charcoal that is loaded with lighter fluid. This will ensure that you get the most smoke possible.
Which Is More Important?
You might be buying a grill/combo going in with the thought that you are going to utilize both applications. And, you might actually utilize both applications for some time. However, the real truth of the matter is that these devices either do one of the other better. That means they will either smoke better or grill better. You really have to decide which cooking style is more important to you and which you are going to utilize the most. For instance, a smoker combo that contains a small grill grate over the firebox will only allow you to grill just a few food items at a time. If you want to do more grilling them you might have to opt for a combo with more space for grilling. If smoking meats is more important to you then you might be able to get away with one of these traditional models.
Temperature Regulation
When it comes to smoking meats there really isn’t much more important that consistency. You need to maintain consistent temperatures to ensure that the food not only gets infused with those flavors that you desire but just to ensure that it gets cooked to the fullest. There is nothing worse than biting into a half cold, barley smoked rib. Luckily, this is something that can be avoided altogether with a thermometer. Most models available today will offer some kind of accurate analog temperature monitor, but with the technology available today there are some models that offer Wi-Fi monitoring. You can simply log into an app from your Android or smartphone and check the temperatures of the grill.
Heck, there are even some models that will allow you to make adjustments through these apps. That being said, a simple thermometer will suffice, but if you want to get technical and shake things up, you can always opt for more of these more technologically inclined devices. There is no denying that they will be fun to play around with and show off at your next gathering.
Summary
When all is said and done there is no denying that there are many considerations that must be made when trying to select a grill/smoker combo. Not only do you need to consider the price and the manufacturers, but you have to consider the features as well. What features do you need to make your cooking game better and easier? If your budget allows then by all means shop for models that offer the utmost in convenience and reliability. However, if you are on a limited budget, you can still choose a suitable grill/smoker by following along with this guide and recommendations.
FAQS
What I A Grill/Smoker Combo?
A grill/smoker combo is basically nothing more than a device with the ability to cook meat at a low temperature while imparting the smoky flavors that you have come to desire and love. Despite this, the device can also be used in traditional grilling.
What Are The Best Temps For Smoking?
When you are perusing the market for grills, you will quickly discover that they come available with a wide variety of temperature settings. Some even go up to 500 degrees. However, this isn’t really needed. In fact, for superior grilling, you really only need a grill/smoker capable of handling temps anywhere from 68 degrees to 176 degrees.
Does Charcoal Quality Matter?
There really aren’t many smokers designed to work with charcoal because they produce so much smoke. This is just how these devices produce tender, flavorful meat. That being said, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t some models out there that offer this kind of application. However, if you are going to utilize them, you want to make sure you are doing so with extreme caution and the right charcoal. Only opt for charcoal that is loaded with lighter fluid. This will ensure that you not only produce the heat but the smoke that is needed to derive those delicious flavors.