Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly smoked brisket that melts in your mouth, or enjoying a juicy burger grilled to perfection. What if you could achieve both smoky goodness and classic grilling with just one piece of equipment? That’s the magic of a combination grill smoker!
But let’s be honest, picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many types, from charcoal wonders to propane powerhouses, and each promises amazing results. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re making the best choice for your backyard adventures. You want delicious food, but you don’t want the headache of choosing.
In this post, we’ll cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a combination grill smoker so special and help you understand the key features to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing the perfect grill smoker that will turn you into the star of your next cookout.
Our Top 5 Combination Grill Smoker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Combination Grill Smoker Detailed Reviews
1. Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner 24
Rating: 9.0/10
The Char-Griller® Dual-Function 2-Burner Grill and Smoker is a grill that lets you cook with either propane gas or charcoal. It has a big cooking area for all your food. This grill is also a smoker, so you can cook food low and slow. It’s made of strong steel and looks good with its black powder coating finish. You can even add a side firebox to make it a true smoker. This grill is ready for any backyard cookout.
What We Like:
- You get two grills in one: gas and charcoal. This gives you lots of cooking options.
- The total cooking space is huge, with 870 square inches. You can cook for a big crowd.
- The primary cooking area is 606 square inches, which is plenty of room for burgers and steaks.
- It has two burners that put out 24,000 BTUs of heat. This means it gets hot fast.
- The grates are made of cast iron and are coated with porcelain. They are strong and easy to clean.
- Cleaning up ash is simple with the easy dump ash pan.
- You can adjust the grate height. This helps you control the cooking temperature.
- It has a built-in temperature gauge. This helps you watch the heat.
- The grill is built with heavy-duty steel. It’s made to last.
- It’s compatible with a side firebox for smoking. You can smoke meats like a pro.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the assembly a bit tricky.
- While the construction is heavy-duty, some parts could feel a little less sturdy compared to higher-end models.
This Char-Griller grill offers great flexibility for any outdoor chef. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves to grill and wants to try smoking.
2. Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker
Rating: 8.7/10
The Traeger Grills Pro 34 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker in Bronze is a game-changer for anyone who loves to cook outdoors. This grill lets you say goodbye to messy gas and charcoal. It uses wood pellets to give your food that amazing smoky flavor. You can cook anything from juicy burgers to tender ribs with this versatile grill. It’s built tough and designed for easy use, making backyard BBQs a breeze.
What We Like:
- Wood pellet flavor is fantastic.
- You can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ all on one grill.
- The temperature stays steady, giving you perfect results every time.
- It’s built strong with steel and has a cool bronze finish.
- Cleaning is easy with porcelain grates.
- The large cooking area fits a lot of food, perfect for parties.
- It comes with a meat probe to check your food’s temperature.
What Could Be Improved:
- It requires electricity to operate.
- Pellet grills can sometimes be slower for very high-heat searing compared to gas grills.
The Traeger Pro 34 makes wood-fired cooking simple and delicious. It’s a fantastic addition to any backyard chef’s arsenal.
3. Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
Rating: 8.9/10
The Traeger Grills Pro 22 Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile outdoor cooking machine. This bronze beauty lets you grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ. It brings real wood-fired flavor to all your meals. Its sturdy design and easy-to-use features make outdoor cooking a breeze.
What We Like:
- It offers six different cooking styles, so you can do almost anything with it.
- The digital controller keeps the temperature steady, within 15 degrees of what you set.
- It’s built tough with powder-coated steel and porcelain-coated grates for easy cleaning.
- The large 572 sq. in. cooking area fits plenty of food for parties or meal prep.
- The included meat probe lets you check food temps without lifting the lid.
- The big 18lb pellet hopper means you can cook for a long time without refilling.
- It’s easy to move around thanks to its sawhorse chassis and large wheels.
- Traeger is a trusted brand, and this grill works with their accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the temperature is precise, the range only goes up to 450 degrees, which might be limiting for some high-heat searing needs.
- Pellet grills can sometimes be a bit slower to preheat compared to other grill types.
This Traeger Pro 22 grill is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting authentic wood-fired taste and great versatility. It’s built to last and makes cooking outdoors enjoyable.
4. Royal Gourmet CC1830S 30″ BBQ Charcoal Grill and Offset Smoker
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for some serious grilling and smoking with the Royal Gourmet CC1830S! This 30-inch charcoal grill and offset smoker combo is designed to give you plenty of space to cook for a crowd and infuse your food with delicious smoky flavors. Whether you’re camping or just enjoying your backyard, this black beauty is built for outdoor fun.
What We Like:
- Massive Cooking Area: With 811 square inches of total cooking space, including a generous main grate, a handy warming rack, and an offset smoker, you can grill burgers for the whole team or slow-smoke ribs for a feast.
- Authentic Smokehouse Taste: The attached offset smoker works wonders, sending heat and smoke directly into the main chamber for that perfect smoky flavor.
- Easy Fire Management: The adjustable, two-level charcoal pan lets you control the heat like a pro, and it holds up to 4.4 lbs. of charcoal. Plus, the side door makes adding fuel and cleaning out ashes a breeze.
- Temperature Control: The built-in lid thermometer keeps you informed about your cooking temperature, so you can achieve perfect results every time.
- Convenient Workspace: Front and side tables give you room to prep your food and keep your tools handy. The bottom shelf offers extra storage for your grilling essentials.
What Could Be Improved:
- Weight Limit on Bottom Shelf: The bottom shelf can only hold about 20 lbs. of accessories, so be mindful of what you store there.
This Royal Gourmet grill is a fantastic option for anyone who loves charcoal grilling and wants to explore the world of smoking. It offers a lot of cooking power and features for its price point.
5. Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker Combo
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet Smoker Combo, a versatile cooking machine that brings together the best of both worlds. This grill lets you grill with gas, smoke with wood pellets, or do both at the same time. It’s designed for serious outdoor cooks who want options.
What We Like:
- The Fusion Fuel system lets you grill and smoke together. You can cook directly over the heat or indirectly. This is a unique feature!
- It has a big grilling surface of 742 square inches. You can cook for a crowd.
- The temperature range is wide, from 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives you control for many recipes.
- It works well in cold weather, thanks to gas-assisted temperature control.
- It comes with three meat probes to check your food’s doneness.
- There’s a big pellet hopper that holds 20 lbs of pellets.
- Cleaning is easy with its grease and ash clean-out system.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stacked design might take up more floor space than some users expect.
- While it offers many features, the initial learning curve for mastering both gas and pellet cooking might be a bit steep for beginners.
This grill offers amazing flexibility for all your outdoor cooking adventures. You can achieve a variety of delicious flavors and cooking styles with this one unit.
Your Guide to the Perfect Combination Grill Smoker
Why Choose a Combination Grill Smoker?
A combination grill smoker is a fantastic tool for outdoor cooking. It lets you grill your food quickly over direct heat. It also allows you to smoke your food slowly at lower temperatures. This gives your food a delicious, smoky flavor. You get two cooking methods in one handy unit. This saves space and money. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues, camping trips, or just enjoying a tasty meal outside.
Key Features to Look For
Grill and Smoker Sections
Check how well the grill and smoker parts work together. Some models have separate chambers. Others share one main chamber. Separate chambers offer better temperature control for each cooking style. Shared chambers can be simpler to use.
Temperature Control
Good temperature control is vital. Look for adjustable vents. These help you manage airflow. Airflow is key to controlling heat. Some smokers have built-in thermometers. These are helpful. You can also use a separate meat thermometer for best results.
Size and Capacity
Think about how much food you usually cook. Do you cook for a large family or just a few people? Grills and smokers come in different sizes. Larger units can cook more food at once. Smaller units are easier to move.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning can be a chore. Look for features that make it easier. Removable ash catchers are great. Non-stick grates are also a plus. Some parts might be dishwasher safe.
Durability and Build Quality
You want a grill smoker that lasts. Look for sturdy construction. Heavy-duty materials are a good sign. Wheels make it easier to move the unit around.
Important Materials
The materials used affect how well your grill smoker cooks and how long it lasts.
- Steel: Many grill smokers use steel. Stainless steel is very durable and resists rust. Carbon steel is also strong but can rust if not cared for.
- Porcelain-enameled: This coating is applied to steel. It makes the surface smooth and easy to clean. It also helps prevent rust.
- Cast Iron: Cast iron grates hold heat well. This gives your food nice sear marks. They can be heavy and need seasoning to prevent rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Grill Smoker Better?
- Good insulation: This keeps the heat inside. It helps maintain a steady temperature.
- Excellent airflow control: This lets you fine-tune the heat. You can get the perfect smoke for your food.
- Sturdy construction: A well-built unit feels solid. It won’t wobble or fall apart.
What Makes a Grill Smoker Worse?
- Thin metal: This can warp under heat. It won’t hold heat well.
- Poor seals: Leaky seals let heat escape. This makes it hard to keep a consistent temperature.
- Cheap parts: Flimsy handles or legs can break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Grilling
Use the grilling section for burgers, steaks, chicken, and vegetables. High heat sears the food nicely. It cooks quickly.
Smoking
Use the smoker section for ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and fish. Low and slow cooking makes tough cuts of meat tender and flavorful. You can add wood chips or chunks for extra smoky taste.
Combination Cooking
Some people like to grill and smoke at the same time. For example, you could smoke a pork shoulder and then finish it on the grill for a crispy exterior. This is called reverse searing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between a grill and a smoker?
A: Grilling uses direct, high heat to cook food quickly. Smoking uses indirect, low heat for a long time to cook food slowly and add smoky flavor.
Q: Can I use a combination grill smoker for both grilling and smoking?
A: Yes, that’s the main benefit! You can switch between grilling and smoking or even do both.
Q: How do I control the temperature when smoking?
A: You control the temperature by adjusting the vents. More airflow means hotter. Less airflow means cooler.
Q: What kind of wood should I use for smoking?
A: Popular woods include hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry. Each gives a different flavor.
Q: Is it hard to clean a combination grill smoker?
A: It can be, but look for models with easy-to-clean features like removable ash catchers.
Q: How do I prevent my grill smoker from rusting?
A: Keep it dry and clean. Cover it when not in use. Season cast iron parts regularly.
Q: What is the best material for grill grates?
A: Cast iron grates hold heat well and give great sear marks. Stainless steel is durable and easy to clean.
Q: How much space do I need for a combination grill smoker?
A: Measure the area where you plan to put it. Make sure you have enough room to cook safely.
Q: Can I use charcoal and wood at the same time?
A: Some models allow this. It can add complexity to temperature control.
Q: Are expensive combination grill smokers always better?
A: Not always. A well-made, mid-range model can be excellent. It depends on the features and materials.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.