Smoking and outdoor grilling are two of my favorite passions in life. Over the years I have owned many variants of both grills and smokers, both charcoal and gas powered. But what if there was one unit which could do both and save you patio space and money?
Fortunately, in 2023, many of the top grill manufacturers now make smoker and grill combos—less big boys toys on the patio, as the wife says.
Let's take a look at what you should consider when choosing the best smoker grill combo and later I recommend five of my favorites.
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Smoker Grill Combos For 2023
What is the Difference Between a Smoker and a Grill?
Smokers and grills are two of the staples at many American cookouts every Summer, but they are not the same thing. Although grilling over charcoal may give your meat a smoky flavor it won’t penetrate the meats in the same way as a slow smoke. Likewise, a smoker won’t give that same seared, or some would say charred, effect as a grill.
The main difference between the two is the temperatures at which the foods are cooked and the amount of cooking time. Grilling meats is a quick and hot process with temperatures often reaching 600 plus degrees Fahrenheit. Smoking is more of a slow and low cook which requires more skill.
Can a Smoker be Used as a Grill?
The USDA recommends all raw meats, including beef, pork, veal, and lamb should reach a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for consumption. With poultry or ground meats that minimum temperature rises to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
A long slow cook will benefit larger joints of meat and will result in a more tender and flavorsome cook. However for thinner cuts like steak, chicken breasts or burgers a higher temperature is needed for a quick cook and to avoid the meats becoming dry.
Although you can raise the temperature of some smokers for a sear effect, you are much better choosing a smoker and grill combo designed for the job. Usually, the grates will be much closer to the heat source for more intense heat. Vertical style electric or propane smokers are very difficult to use as a grill but can smoke excellently.
Is Smoking Meat Better Than Grilling?
That all depends on the cut of meat you are cooking and the flavor you want to achieve. Tougher, and normally less expensive, cuts of meat will benefit most from smoking. There’s nothing my father used to love more than a 16-hour smoked pork butt for the most delicious pulled pork ever tasted.
Grilling is definitely better when it comes to steaks or chops—how else are you going to get that caramelized outer crust than with the high temperature of a grill. It’s also much quicker with most foods on a grill taking between five to ten minutes — you could even throw a few wood chips on and close down the lid for a slightly smoky flavor and aroma.
What Food Can I Smoke?
You can smoke just about any type of meat or poultry on a smoker, classic cuts for smoking are traditionally beef brisket, pork shoulder or butt, and ribs. These cuts can be tough and chewy when cooked quickly because they have more fat to render down or sinew to soften, but when cooked slowly they can taste fabulous.
You can also smoke fish, especially firm and meaty fish like salmon, trout or monkfish. Veggies can take on that smokey flavor, although probably won’t need to be cooked for too long. Cheeses, nuts and even desserts can also benefit from the extra smoke of the backyard smoker—smoked pecan cheesecake anybody?
Why Choose the Best Smoker Grill Combo?
The most recent survey by HPBA, the US Hearth, Patio and BBQ Association, found nearly 35 percent of those questioned intended to buy a new grill this year. If you’re one of those 35 percent, maybe you want to consider the best grill smoker combo.
Often called offset smokers, the most popular grill and smoker combos will feature a grill with a firebox on the side which can be used to add wood chips. You could use the grill part of the combo while waiting for the brisket to cook—no more serving half baked briskets or pork that doesn’t pull.
The following YouTube video explains everything you need to know using an offset smoker in just under five minutes.
Things to Consider in the Best Smoker Grill Combo
Smoker grills are designed to produce a lot of smoke so you don’t find too many just gas smoker/grill combos. The best gas grill smoker combo tends to be one which offers both propane gas and charcoal options for that smoky flavor.
Temperature Range and Ease of Control
Although all the usual size considerations and how many you intend to cook for must be considered, far more important in the best smoke grill is the temperature. You will need a grill which offers those searing high heats for steaks with a controllable low temperature for long and slow smokes.
For those 16-hour pulled pork smokes you are going to need to maintain a constant heat, with the recommended temperature being around 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Charcoal grill smoker combos tend to be the most difficult to control with gas or pellet grill smoker combos being more manageable.
Build Quality and Durability
Those longer cooks will need a material which can withstand higher temperatures for extended periods. They will also need to be easy to clean with more grease and juices accumulating over a 16-hour smoke—even the smoke can stick to the surfaces.
A heavy duty stainless steel is the best material for the exterior of the grill, although even that will rust, eventually. Thicker materials can ensure the lid doesn’t buckle when used for longer and can also insulate the grill when used for smoking.
Steel which is powder coated or porcelain enameled may not rust but can chip and be more fragile. Any hoods or chambers should also have the best gasket seals to prevent smoke or heat escaping.
Extra Features to Look For
Cooking low and slow, temperature control is, without doubt, the most important aspect. The best grill smoker combo will come with built-in thermometers and damper or air vent systems for more precise control. Some wood pellet smoker grill combos can often be controlled wirelessly by a smartphone app.
The best gas grill smoker combo will also usually feature a side burner which can be used as an extra cooking area or sear station. The fireboxes on the best charcoal smoker grill combos will have grates which can double as an extra grilling surface.
What is the Best Smoker Grill Combo?
Some people would argue that you could just use a normal grill with a hood to smoke, but the best BBQ smoker combos are designed to facilitate both. Normally you will get much better results with a smoker grill combo specifically made for both jobs.
Below I have looked at five of the best smoker grill combos you can currently buy, including the best charcoal, gas, and pellet smoker grill combos.
Best Overall—Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo
Nothing says 4th of July and everything that is American about BBQ than an offset smoker grill like the Oklahoma Joe. This grill is perfect for quickly firing up the gas for a steak or burger midweek and smoking a slow cook over charcoal at the weekend.
The Oklahoma Joe Charcoal and Gas Combo has the build quality of a tank and should definitely last you a lifetime. It’s made with heavy gauge steel with extra durable components—although assembly can take a few hours. The 205 pounds weight will mean it’s a two-person job, and it’s certainly not a grill to take on the road.
A huge cooking area of 1060 square inches consists of 750 square inches main grilling and an extra 310 square inches in the firebox. With three 12,000 BTU burners and an additional side burner, it can cope with even the largest of backyard parties. The side burner could also be used to light a charcoal chimney.
Three separate compartments allow for both charcoal and gas cooking or smoking at the same time. Temperature gauges on each compartment and plenty of dampers make controlling the temperature easy and efficient. Durable porcelain cast iron grates are simple to clean and the offset firebox can be easily accessed for ash disposal.
With the option of gas or charcoal, you really have got the best of both worlds in this BBQ smoker combo—just be warned it will take up a lot of space in your backyard.
Pros
- Durable carbon steel construction.
- Huge cooking capacity.
- Sturdy cast iron gates, yet thin enough for a decent sear.
- Side burner has a lid to double as a prep area.
- Cool touch handles and lid for extra safety.
- A lower shelf is handy for storing charcoal or utensils.
- Plenty of air vents and temperature gauges for efficient smoking or grilling.
Cons
- The wheels can be unstable, making it difficult to move this grill and smoker combo.
- Very large and heavy at 205 pounds.
- The silicone gaskets on this type of smoker will need reinforcing.
Best Charcoal Grill and Smoker Combo—Kamado Joe Classic II Charcoal Grill and Smoker
The Kamado Joe Classic II is one of the most versatile pieces of cooking equipment you may ever own and in such a compact package. Despite a smaller footprint, don’t think this is a portable smoker grill combo—with a weight of 188 pounds you won’t want to move it too much.
A bright red ceramic “egg”, the main grill, comes with all the accessories needed including a rolling stand, twin side tables, and grill gripper and ash tool. Two sets of grates offer a 508 square inch cooking surface with a grill expander enlarging it to 660 square inches.
The grates can be set at staggered heights for more cooking area. Heat deflectors enable you to create different temperature zones for both direct and indirect grilling at the same time. A “Kontrol Tower” vent at the top of the grill along with a bottom vent allow more accurate temperature control—essential for low and slow smoke sessions.
Cooking with a Kamado grill can take practice, but the Kamado Joe Classic II aims to make it as simple as possible. A removable ash draw at the bottom of the egg makes cleaning up easy too.
Pros
- The heat resistant ceramic keeps the heat in while remaining cool to the touch.
- A superior ventilation system for better airflow and precise temperature control.
- Patented airlift hinged lid with mesh fiberglass gasket for an airtight seal.
- Divide-and-Conquer grill system offers the versatility of different cook methods and heat zones.
- Plenty of accessories available including a pizza stone, rib rack, rotisserie spit or a further grill expander.
- Easy clean up with ash removal drawer.
- Side tables are handy for storing condiments or cooking utensils.
Cons
- Very heavy at nearly 200 pounds—don’t try moving without the trolley.
- Charcoal only with no facility for propane. Only wood can be added for the smoke flavor.
- Expensive—but once you use an “egg” you may never want to go back.
Best Classic Grill and Smoker Combo—Pit Barrel Cooker
The Pit Barrel Cooking Package is one of the simplest smoker grill combos to use and an American design classic. The simple barrel design allows you to store all the accessories and grates inside, ideal for putting in the bed of your truck for a weekend away.
The Pit Barrel offers a great cooking capacity, 346 square inches in total with eight hanging hooks provided for smoking meats. You could easily fit up to eight racks of ribs or two large chickens, with plenty of space to spare thanks to the vertical design.
The porcelain coated barrel is provided with one grill grate, a charcoal basket, eight stainless steel hooks, a wooden hook remover and two steel hanging rods. Simply place some charcoal at the base of the barrel and you have everything you need for outdoor cooking.
Perhaps the best thing about a barrel style grill and smoker combo is the designs’ ability to retain natural moisture in the foods. A great “set and forget” model, the Pit Barrel easily maintains a low and consistent temperature with bottom vents allowing for occasional adjustment. Better yet, this best charcoal smoker grill combo needs no assembly!
Pros
- A simple design ready to use out of the box.
- Excellent performance, especially when smoking meats—no additional water pan needed.
- Huge cooking space when hanging meats vertically.
- Plenty of attachments included—store in the barrel for transporting.
- Lightweight at only 64 pounds—just as at home camping or tailgating as on your patio.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Temperature control is very basic compared to other smoker and grill combos.
- Reaching into the grill to retrieve meats can be awkward at higher grilling temperatures—wear heatproof gloves.
Best Budget Entry to Smoker and Grill Combos—CharBroil American Gourmet Offset Smoker
Earlier I mentioned buying the best smoker grill combo could save you money, but all the models we have looked at cost significantly more than many standalone grills. This budget smoker grill combo from Char-Broil employs a more traditional offset design but at a wallet-friendly price.
The cheapest grill smoker combo we have looked at, it features a 290 square inch cooking surface in the main chamber, enough for a family of four. The side-mounted firebox offers another 140 square inches of cooking capacity but you may be surprised by the compact nature of this grill compared to the pictures.
It’s a great smoker grill combo for those who just want to start out on a smoking adventure to enhance their outdoor grilling. However, don’t expect the same build quality as more expensive high-end models like the Oklahoma Joe.
An all-black steel construction with cool-touch handles houses porcelain coated grates and a height adjustable fire grate. Adjustable vents, including a smokestack chimney, allow for you to control the temperature with a porcelain-enameled water pan for added moisture.
Clean up is easy with this budget smoker grill combo which uses a simple door for easy ash removal. Modifications you may need to make include replacing the below par thermometer in the hood and adding some high-temperature gaskets seals. For the price though, this would be an excellent introduction to smoking, while being a decent grill too.
Pros
- Great value for money at a budget price.
- Offers enough cooking space for a family of four with ease.
- Lightweight and easy to move around the backyard.
- Porcelain coated grates and ash removal tray make it a breeze to clean.
- Small side table for extra preparation area.
- Cool-touch handles and powder coated steel construction.
- Easy to assemble.
Cons
- Not the most durable construction—the paint may peel or bubble at higher temperatures.
- Thin steel used on the lid doesn’t offer much insulation—hard to use in cooler weather conditions.
- Can be prone to rust—invest in a cover.
Best Value Pellet Smoker and Grill Combo—Traeger Texas Elite 34 Smoker and Grill Combo
For a simple set up and forget about it grill smoker combo, it’s hard to beat a pellet grill. Food cooked over burning wood will please even the most avid of charcoal enthusiasts, and its automated too. This stylish pellet-fueled grill smoker combo from Traeger is proof that they don’t have to cost the earth too.
Despite having a cheaper price tag than many other pellet grills, the Traeger Texas Elite features a stylish and durable steel construction. Powder coat painted, the two-tone color design is easy to clean. Weighing in at only 125 pounds it’s also much lighter and easier to move than other grill/smoker combos.
A generous 646 square inches of cooking area uses non-stick porcelain coated grates which are also simple to clean. A Digital Elite controller is easy to use, with a large LED temperature gauge to keep a check on the internal heat. An 18-pound hopper can store enough pellets for at least 12 hours cook time, even longer if smoking.
Ignition is just a click of a button to engage the auto start function and preheating is much quicker than charcoal. Setting the temperature is as easy as using your indoor oven, This makes for the most simple to operate, but with excellent results, smoker grill combo.
Pros
- An affordable price for a pellet smoker grill.
- Very easy to use, with a large LED temperature display.
- An efficient pellet burn rate of just 2 pounds per hour on the highest setting.
- Safety shutdown burns off any leftover pellets before shutting down.
- Integrated grease management system for a quick and easy clean up.
- Large 646 square inches of cooking area.
Cons
- A maximum temperature of just 450 degrees Fahrenheit may struggle to sear meats when used as a grill.
- A thinner steel used in the construction may not hold the heat too well, especially in the winter months.
Conclusion
It’s easy to spend a lot of money when looking for the best smoker grill combo. Hopefully, some of the grills we have looked at can offer you a value for money BBQ smoker combo.
The Oklahoma Joe's Charcoal/LP Gas/Smoker Combo offers you all the advantages of the best gas grill with a charcoal smoker built in too. You would struggle to buy a quality gas grill and a separate smoker for the same price. Fire it up midweek for a burger or slow smoke a pork butt on those long weekends—the choice is yours.